Genesis System
Our History & Heritage

Pre-War Elim

The journey of the Elim Church as the first Assembly of God church in Singapore began in 1928 when missionaries Rev. Cecil M. and Edith Jackson arrived in Singapore, establishing a village church. As the congregation grew, there was a continuous need to find larger premises. In 1937, Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence McKinney were sent to Singapore to succeed the Jacksons and initiated a building project for a more permanent church location. After months of prayer, they secured a property at 1079 Serangoon Road.

Elim Original Building - a bungalow with large compound and coconut trees.

This location was a bungalow set in a spacious compound, surrounded by an abundance of coconut and fruit trees. Pastor McKinney named it Elim Church Assembly of God, inspired by the Biblical account of the Israelites led by Moses, who “… came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and threescore and ten palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters” (Exodus 15:27 KJV). A Dedication Service took place on 20 October 1939.

During the Japanese Occupation in December 1941, when most missionaries had been evacuated, Pastor McKinney appointed lay leaders to oversee Elim Church. These leaders included Bro Lye Eng Hong, Bro Victor Manny, Bro Arthur P Abeysekera, and Sis Yeo Bock Hoe. By God’s grace, the church continued its morning and evening services, with singing, prayer, and preaching of the Word, until the end of the war. Ultimately, a remnant of the congregation remained, allowing the church to endure those turbulent times of suffering, loss, and personal sacrifice.

A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Growth

Post-War Elim

Following the war, a new generation of missionaries returned with the goal of reuniting the dispersed church. With a focus on evangelism to drive church growth, these missionaries, along with their families, stepped into leadership roles at Elim Church. Among them were Rev. and Mrs. Alfred A. McGrew (1949 – 1953), Rev. R.B. and Avalone Cavaness (1954 – 1966), and Rev. David and Betty Baker (1968 – 1969).

1973 New Church Building

During the tenure of Rev. Fred and Rita Abeysekera (1969 – 1974), a new sanctuary was constructed, transforming the original bungalow into a church building. The Dedication Service took place on 20 October 1973, which was exactly 34 years after the original Elim Church was dedicated!

In 1976, Rev. Cresmerio and Norma Fernandez (1976 – 1987) arrived from Manila to lead Elim Church. By 1981, a Chinese Service was established, which was soon followed by a Tamil Service.

Current 4-storey Church Building

From 1987 to 2006, Rev. Dr. Fred and Margaret Seaward took over as pastors and elevated Elim Church’s Missions Programme through local and overseas church planting, as well as providing financial support and manpower for various missionary projects. In 2000, the church began a new building initiative, with its first service in the new sanctuary held on August 25, 2002.

On 1 July 2006, Rev. Glen Lim became the Senior Pastor of Elim Church, working alongside his wife, Rev. Jean Lim, who serves as the Special Ministries Coordinator.

A Spirit-filled people, and a Spirit-filled church, reaching and impacting the spiritually unresolved, here and beyond

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Weekly Service Schedule

Sunday

  • English Service
  • 9am & 11am
  • Mandarin Service
  • 11am
  • Elim Myanmar Christian Family Service
  • 11am
  • Ekids Junior (Ages 2-6)
  • 11am
  • Ekids Warriors (Ages 7-10)
  • 11am
  • Radi8 Passionate Gen (Ages 11-16)
  • 11am

Wednesday​

  • Miracle Moments @ Elim Prayer Meeting
    (English / Mandarin / Children)
  • 7.30pm

Friday​

  • Elim Care Cells @ Various Locations
  • 7:30pm

Saturday

  • Teochew Service
  • 11am
  • Radi8 Tertiary & Care Cells
  • 3:30pm