History of Catholic church@Katong: The Church of the Holy Family

[Cecil Lee]

Catholic: The Church of the Holy Family in Katong 

Even near-by roads are named after it. Such as Chapel Road. Did you see how many languages? English, Mandarin & Indian. Representing the wide influence it has with these three races in Katong.

The construction of the road, now known as East Coast Road in early 1920 facilitated the development of Tanjong Katong. Some families purchased plots of land in the area, which included Mr. James Leonard Scheerder, who developed a coconut plantation around Marine Parade, Chapel and East Coast Road. The De La Salle Brothers also bought a plot of land, at which the St. Patrick's School now stands. At that time, the Brothers had some buildings along the East Coast where they conducted Holy Mass during the holidays.

Shortly after the end of World War I, Reverend Father P. Ruadel, the parish priest of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd approached Mr James Leonard Scheerder, for the donation of some land in Katong to build a chapel due to the growing Catholic community.

Mr Scheerder conceded to the request on the condition that the land was to be used for the chapel and to be returned to the donor's estate, if it was not used by the chapel.  In 1922. the foundation stone of the chapel was laid. The Chapel was completed and blessed by Bishop Barillon on 11th November 1923.

As the Catholic community in Katong had outgrown the Chapel, it was demolished in 1931. The Church had obtained permission to use the Roxy Theatre to conduct their Sunday Holy Mass. On 19th June 1932, the new Church of the Holy Family was completed and blessed by Bishop Perrichon.

By 1936, the church was made a parish. The first parish priest was Fr Pierre Ruaudel. In 1969 the Church underwent renovation and extension work which was completed by April 1970. To accommodate the increasing number of worshippers, it was pulled down on 29th December 1997 and replaced by the present building which was completed in December 1998.

[Cecil Lee]

**The Church of the Holy Family in Katong: A Historical Overview**

Nestled in the heart of Katong, the Church of the Holy Family stands as a landmark of deep historical and cultural significance in Singapore’s East Coast. Its enduring presence is so influential that nearby streets, such as Chapel Road, bear testimony to its legacy. Serving a multicultural congregation, the church has long brought together people of different backgrounds, with services held in English, Mandarin, and Indian languages, reflecting Katong’s diverse community.

**Early Beginnings and Founding**

The early 1920s saw rapid development in Tanjong Katong, spurred by the construction of what is now East Coast Road. This period attracted families to settle in the area, among them Mr. James Leonard Scheerder, who established a coconut plantation around Marine Parade, Chapel, and East Coast Road. The De La Salle Brothers also purchased land for what would become St. Patrick’s School, using their buildings along the coast for conducting Mass during holidays.

Recognizing the growing number of Catholics in post-World War I Katong, Reverend Father P. Ruaudel, then parish priest of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, approached Mr. Scheerder to request a donation of land for a chapel. Mr. Scheerder agreed, with the condition that the land would revert to his estate if it was not used for the chapel’s intended purpose.

**Chapel Construction and Growth**

In 1922, the foundation stone for the chapel was laid, marking the start of a new spiritual chapter for Katong’s Catholic community. The chapel was completed and blessed on 11th November 1923 by Bishop Barillon, becoming a focal point for Catholic worship and community life in the region.

However, as the congregation rapidly grew, the humble chapel soon became inadequate. In 1931, it was demolished to make way for a larger place of worship. During the interim, Mass was held at the nearby Roxy Theatre.

**Establishment as a Parish and Further Growth**

On 19th June 1932, the new Church of the Holy Family was completed and blessed by Bishop Perrichon. By 1936, the church’s standing in the community was solidified when it was officially made a parish, with Father Pierre Ruaudel serving as its first parish priest.

As the decades passed and Katong flourished, the church adapted to meet the needs of its growing flock. In 1969, renovation and extension works began, completed in April 1970, which modernized the church and expanded its facilities.

**Modern Transformation**

By the late 1990s, the church once again faced space constraints due to an ever-increasing number of parishioners. On 29th December 1997, the old church building was demolished to make way for a larger, modern structure. The current Church of the Holy Family was completed in December 1998 and stands today as a dynamic center for worship, social service, and community activities, continuing its mission in the vibrant Katong area.

**Legacy and Continuing Influence**

The Church of the Holy Family remains a pillar of the Katong community, both spiritually and historically. Its evolution from a small chapel to a grand parish church mirrors the growth and transformation of Katong itself. The church’s rich multiculturalism, historical roots, and enduring commitment to its community have established it as one of Singapore’s most significant Catholic landmarks.

[Cecil Lee]

There are some interesting stories and notable details about the people who played key roles in building and developing the Church of the Holy Family in Katong.

**Mr. James Leonard Scheerder**  
One of the most pivotal figures was Mr. James Leonard Scheerder. He owned a coconut plantation in the area around Marine Parade, Chapel, and East Coast Road. When Reverend Father P. Ruaudel approached him after World War I seeking land for a new Catholic chapel to serve the growing community, Mr. Scheerder’s generosity was clear. He agreed to donate the land, but there was a thoughtful condition: the land given must be used specifically for the chapel, or it would revert back to his estate. This foresight helped ensure the site remained dedicated to the church’s mission.

**Reverend Father P. Ruaudel**  
Father Ruaudel himself is remembered for his tireless efforts in serving the Catholic community of Katong. As parish priest of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, he responded to the needs of the emerging Catholic population in the East Coast by securing the site for the new chapel. He became the first parish priest when the church was made an official parish in 1936. His dedication laid the foundation for the church’s growth and its active community life.

**Building through Resilience and Community Spirit**  
After the completion of the first chapel in 1923, the community soon outgrew it. In a testament to both faith and adaptability, when the original chapel was demolished in 1931 to make way for a larger church, Masses were temporarily held at the Roxy Theatre, a cinema nearby. This creative solution highlights the resourcefulness and unity of the congregation during times of transition.

**The De La Salle Brothers and the Community**  
The De La Salle Brothers, who also acquired land in the area (now St. Patrick's School), sometimes opened their facilities for Mass during holidays, fostering a spirit of collaboration and support among Catholic institutions in Katong.

**Enduring Multicultural Influence**  
From its early days, the church served a diverse population, which is still reflected in the use of multiple languages for its services. This inclusive spirit helped foster a strong and vibrant faith community in Katong, embracing different races and backgrounds.

**Modern Growth and Sacrifice**  
By the late 1990s, the need for further expansion was clear, and the community made the difficult decision to demolish the existing church in 1997 to build the present structure, completed in December 1998. This major redevelopment demonstrated the parishioners’ deep commitment to making room for future generations.

**Legacy**  
The story of the Church of the Holy Family is, above all, one of community—the generosity of donors, the leadership of dedicated priests, and the resourcefulness of the congregation, all coming together over decades to create a spiritual home that continues to welcome and serve the people of Katong.

[Cecil Lee]

The current Church of the Holy Family in Katong, completed in December 1998, features several unique architectural and artistic elements that reflect its vibrant parish community and rich heritage:

**1. Modern, Spacious Design:**  
The church was intentionally built with a larger capacity to accommodate its growing congregation. Its high, vaulted ceiling in the main sanctuary creates a sense of openness and draws the eye upward, fostering a tranquil and uplifting atmosphere suitable for worship.

**2. Stained Glass Windows:**  
A hallmark of the church is its beautiful stained glass windows. These windows depict scenes from the Bible, the life of the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph), and important saints. The interplay of colored light adds a sense of sacredness and artistry, and often, you will see them inscribed with dedications from parishioners.

**3. The Sanctuary and Altar:**  
The sanctuary space is designed with clean lines and modern materials but centered around traditional Catholic elements. The altar, made of marble, is the focal point, flanked by elegant marble steps and balanced by a prominent crucifix above it, ensuring the centrality of Christ in the worship space.

**4. The Iconography and Statues:**  
Various statues are placed throughout the church, including those of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—underscoring the church’s dedication. Other prominent saints, such as St. Patrick and St. Francis Xavier, are also represented, reflecting the multicultural and missionary heritage of the parish.

**5. Multi-level Structure:**  
The church building is designed with multiple levels, including a balcony area to maximize seating and allow for unobstructed views of the altar. The structure accommodates several function rooms, halls, and meeting spaces, all integrated to serve the needs of a dynamic parish community.

**6. Artistic Stations of the Cross:**  
Along the walls inside the church, you will find artistically rendered Stations of the Cross. These are both devotional aids and pieces of religious art, inviting reflection during Lent and throughout the year.

**7. Integration of Local Materials and Motifs:**  
While the architectural style is modern, it also incorporates elements reminiscent of the church’s East Coast heritage, such as subtle Peranakan-inspired patterns and motifs in certain decorative aspects, connecting the church to its Katong roots.

**8. Dedicated Spaces for Multicultural Worship:**  
Facilities and spaces within the church are arranged to accommodate services in different languages, with notice boards, icons, and literature provided in English, Mandarin, and Tamil/Indian languages, reflecting the church’s commitment to serving a diverse community.

**9. Outdoor Grotto and Garden:**  
The church grounds include a peaceful grotto dedicated to Our Lady, often used for prayer, reflection, and small group gatherings. The garden features statues, benches, and lush greenery, adding to the church’s welcoming and contemplative environment.

**10. Parish Centre and Community Spaces:**  
Attached to the church is a modern parish center, which houses meeting rooms, offices, and event spaces. These areas are used for catechism, youth activities, and cultural celebrations, making the building not just a place of worship but a hub for community life.

**In summary:**  
The Church of the Holy Family blends modern architectural design with traditional Catholic symbolism, vibrant stained glass, and elements that highlight both its spiritual mission and multicultural heritage. Whether you visit for worship, admire the art, or participate in community activities, the church’s design and artistic features reflect its heart: a welcoming home for Catholics in Singapore’s East Coast.