st andrew's cathedral

Swissotel The Stamford, the tallest hotel in Singapore, to the left is a modern semi-spherical tower clad in stainless steel, while St Andrew's Cathedral to the right is a fine example of English Gothic architecture. The cathedral was built in 1861 by convict labour brought from India by British colonial rulers. It replaced the original building which first stood on this site before it was damaged by two lightning strikes and demolished in 1852.
A closer look at its lancet windows, turret-like pinnacles and decorated spire rising pointedly and looking alabaster white against the blue sky. Interesting to note that its outer surface was made of chunam plaster (blend of egg white, shell, lime sugar, coconut husk and water).
The present cathedral is under the auspices of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore. The history of the Anglican church is intertwined with the history of Singapore. It ran much needed community hospitals and schools in old Singapore at the turn of the last century. Today, the Diocese administers a number of Anglican schools and the St Andrew's Community Hospital located in the East.

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