St Andrew’s Cathedral

A graceful Gothic touch in Singapore’s civic core

St Andrew’s Cathedral stands on St Andrew’s Road at the heart of Singapore’s Civic District. As the oldest surviving Anglican place of worship in the city—and a designated National Monument since 1973—it traces its origins back to colonial ambitions, spiritual care, and architectural resilience.

From Simple Chapel to Neo-Gothic Landmark

The first Anglican chapel on this site was modest—wood and attap—and served an early 19th-century congregation of British and Scottish residents. The original foundation stone was laid in 1835, and by 1838 the church was consecrated, named after Scotland’s patron saint in honor of early donors.

Structural damage from repeated lightning strikes led to its replacement in the mid-19th century. The current Neo-Gothic cathedral, designed by Colonel Ronald MacPherson, began construction in 1856 and opened for worship in 1861. Built largely by Indian convict labourers, the structure was consecrated as a cathedral in 1870.

Architectural Highlights & Artifacts

The cathedral’s architecture follows English Gothic Revival, visible in its lancet windows, lofty spire, and symmetrical layout. Its interior was phased with Madras chunam—a glossy plaster made with lime, egg white, sugar, and coconut husk—for smooth, luminous walls.

Key features inside include:

Stained glass windows at the apse honoring Raffles, John Crawfurd, and Governor Butterworth—framing local history within spiritual space.
The Revere Bell, donated in 1843 by the daughter of Paul Revere, once signaled nightly curfew and later found a permanent home in the cathedral’s history.
Sacred furnishings like the Canterbury Stone, Coventry Cross, and the Coronation Carpet, connecting Singapore to Anglican heritage and global moment.

War-time Sanctuary

During World War II, the cathedral transformed into a place of refuge—or emergency hospital—offering calm amid chaos. It remains a standing testament to faith and community endurance during Singapore’s darkest hours.

Visiting St Andrew’s Today

The cathedral continues its spiritual service, offering multilingual services across the week. The nave and cloister also invite reflective pause amid city bustle. It’s open to visitors, with the City Hall MRT station just steps away—making it accessible yet discreet in its presence.