Armenian Church, Singapore

The Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, commonly known as the Armenian Church locally, holds the distinction of being Singapore's oldest Christian church. Situated on Hill Street in the Museum Planning Area within the Central Area, this church was finalized in 1835 and consecrated the following year. It was accorded National Monument status in 1973, and today, the church hosts regular Armenian and Oriental Orthodox services.

The establishment of the church was a result of the initiative taken by the first twelve Armenian families who settled in Singapore. It was designed by George Drumgoole Coleman, the architect responsible for many of Singapore's early buildings. This church is dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who served as the inaugural Patriarch of the Armenian Church.

Architecturally, the Armenian Church blends elements of the British Neoclassical style with various eclectic influences. It features a central design reminiscent of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the primary church of Armenia. The interior of the church is circular, with a resemblance to the round Holy Sepulchre in Cambridge, England. However, this circular layout is enclosed within a square-cross plan, and it includes projecting square porticos designed in the Roman Doric style.

Coleman adapted his design to suit Singapore's tropical climate. For instance, the wide verandahs offer shade and protect the timber-louvred windows on the ground floor from heavy rain. In turn, these windows diffuse sunlight and promote cross ventilation. The church's pews are fitted with woven rattan, a lighter and more comfortable material that also helps keep things cooler.

Within the church premises, you can find the Memorial Garden and the parsonage, a two-story bungalow constructed in 1905 by Nanajan Sarkies in memory of her late husband, John Shanazar Sarkies.