Introduction

Methodism's concern for the education of girls and work among women was evident from the very beginning. And so it was in 1887, that Miss Sophia Blackmore was sent to Singapore as a missionary to work among these women and children. And it was through Miss Mary C.Nind's donation to the Women's Foreign Missionary Society that made it possible for Miss Blackmore's appointment. And it was Marie Oldham's obedience to obey the call to go to Singapore when she said to her husband, "If to Singapore we are appointed, to SINGAPORE we will go."

Above all, it was the dedication, faith and love of Methodist women that planted this seed of love in Singapore. This then was the beginning of the “LINE OF SPLENDOUR". Miss Sophia Blackmore spent 40 fruitful years of her life in women's work. Her close friend and helper was Mrs Oldham. Together they went knocking at the doors of traditional homes whose daughters were not allowed to go to school. So, they brought education to their doorsteps. They worked amongst the Chinese, Tamil and Malay-speaking women.

And God blessed their efforts and soon that seed began to grow and bear fruit in abundance. In the early days, the women of the church happily served and participated in fund-raising projects for their churches. The Chinese-speaking members were called the "Dorcas Society" while the English-speaking, Malay-speaking and Tamil-speaking members were known as the "Ladies Aid Society" which much later was changed to "Women's Society of Christian Service".

When Miss Helen Loomis came to Singapore, she was concerned that the women were working as separate groups in individual churches. She also saw the potential leadership qualities of these various church women. She saw the need to unite these groups in order that they might work together more effectively. So with her wisdom and foresight, she invited the Chinese-speaking, the English-speaking and the Malay-speaking women to come together to her house for "tea". And there she challenged all present, to unite and work together in God's Kingdom. So the Singapore District Women's Society of Christian Service was born on that memorable afternoon.

Miss Helen Loomis helped in the training sessions for the els ladies and she was honoured as the one who helped Asian leadership to blossom. She saw the potential leadership of Wang Kwan Eng and appointed her as full-time Director of Women's Work in the Malaya-Chinese Annual Conference. Miss Hwang together with Mrs Tay Soo Keng helped to conduct Bible Studies and Leadership Training for the women in all the WSCS societies in the Chinese Churches till her retirement. And so the post-war years of leadership grew at local, district and conterence levels. The Singapore Government, recognising the contribution Methodist women made towards education and welfare services, and the growing importance of women in the public life of our country, appointed nine of our Methodist women Justices of Peace, a great honour indeed! They were:

Mrs Tan Teng Kim

Mrs Ellice Handy

Mrs Tay Lian Teck

Mrs Evelyn D. Heppel

Mrs Elsie Lyne

Mrs Goh Kok Kee

Mrs Loh Poon Lip

Mrs G. Thevathasan

Lady Han Hoe Lim

By 1965, the Singapore District had 11 WSCS societies. The first President of the newly-organised Singapore District WSCS was Mrs L.C. Loong. Filled with enthusiasm, the District WSCS President and her officers, under the guidance of Miss Loomis set to work and soon 'Singapore District WSCS' became the vibrant organisation, Like Mrs Loong, there were other enthusiastic District WSCS Presidents. They were Mrs E.V. Davies, Mrs Ang Kim Kiat, Mrs Tan Boon Hak, Mrs Rosie Leong, Mrs Tan Beng Leong, Mrs Nana Lim and Mrs Wee Thiam Bock.

In 1968, from the Chinese-speaking WSCS, Mrs Teng Ping Ming was elected as the Singapore Unit President of the East Asia Area of the World Federation of Methodist Women.

During the Singapore District WSCS Era, there were leadership sessions, spiritual retreats and combined Call to Prayer and Self-Denial worship services in many churches. Other activities helped to encourage the women to come together and to challenge them to grow in their understanding and knowledge of God's love. The 1st President of the Singapore District Chinese WSCS was Miss Fang Chi Geok. The other following presidents were Mrs Chen Teck Mee, Mrs Dora Cheng, Mrs Lam Yew Siong, Mrs Lim Peck Hua, Mrs Moo Chi Nam, Mrs Sim Boon Peng and Mrs Tay Soo Keng. The earlier Singapore missionary leaders in the WSCS were wives of Bishops. They were Mrs Edwin F. Lee, Mrs R.L. Archer, Mrs H.B. Amstutz and Mrs Robert Lundy.

Thus challenged, the women grew. They grew in wisdom. They grew in stature. They became aware of the needs within the church. They made great strides in stewardship.