The Yesteryears

Raised in a strict Taoist tradition, Mr Koh was educated at Anglo Chinese Methodist School which paved the way for his Christian faith.

“I remember school chapels those days - distinguished speakers like Rev Goh Hood Keng and Rev Oldham '' reflected Mr Koh. Indeed in 1926, one of Rev Goh’s sermons so touched this young lad’s heart that he accepted Christ at the altar call. Soon his parents also became Christian during Dr John Soong’s (renowned Chinese Missionary) visit to Malacca. On that occasion, Mr Koh’s mother was miraculously healed of an eye ailment. The whole family was subsequently baptised in and absorbed into Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

A few years later saw Mr Koh meeting the later Rev Chew Hock Him.  This contributed to the growth and improvement of the then Peranakan worship services. With the help of a few dedicated Christians from Geylang Straits Chinese Methodist Church (subsequently Pentecost Methodist Church), the Koh family organised a small worship group which gradually grew in numbers.

There at Geylang where the family membered ws transferred, Mr Koh was soon appointed President of the First Epworth league (Youth Group), director of the First Choir and Local Preacher.  In addition, Mr Koh also headed the Christmas carolling team. “We used to carol from dusk to dawn during the festive season and Singapore was a lot different then - in the 1930s” as Mr Koh elaborated. His interest in carolling took him to resume this responsibility for many years after the war.

Mr Koh’s attachment with Geylang Straits Chinese Methodist Church continued right through the 50’s and ‘60s to 1975.