300 Thomson Road

Church Of St. Alphonsus (Novena Church)

About

The Novena Church, located along Thomson Road, has played a significant role in the growth and development of the surrounding area, which is named after the church.

The History

During the post-WWII era, Novena Church was the largest Catholic church to be built on the outskirts of Singapore’s Central Business District. The conserved building, which houses the main worship hall, was designed by Swan and Maclaren (a pioneer architectural firm in Singapore in the first half of the 20th century). It was constructed in 1950.

The term “Novena” is derived from the Latin word novem, meaning "nine", and refers to the nine days' of private or public devotion in the Catholic Church to obtain special graces. The Church is run by the Redemptorist Fathers, a male missionary society founded in the 18th century near Naples, Italy.

The Building

Built in an eclectic-Modern style, the design makes use of Classical elements such as fluted Doric columns along the external corridors, entrances and porticoes to bridge between modernity and classicism.

The eye-catching triple arc front pediment is a key contributor to its identity. Using the architectural language of the trinity, the centre main arc is emphasised by a round stain glass window to symbolise ‘oneness’ and is surmounted by a smaller cross at its peak. A row of tiny dentils along the perimeter further create visual interest.

As the Novena sessions multiplied, the main hall soon became too small, and wide covered porticoes on both sides were added in the late-1950s to accommodate the overflow. The existing side-walls were removed and grilles added.

The Legacy

The Novena Church has grown to become a local landmark and community touchstone. It is a meeting place for Catholics of different races, bringing together people from all walks of life.

Gazetted on 8 June 2011 for conservation.

Guidelines and Procedures

All proposed works will need to comply with the Conservation Guidelines and the Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG). Conservation Permission is required before all additions & alteration works and operations of new use can begin.

Residential Fronts are characterised by timber casement windows flanking a double-leafed timber door. All buildings with residential front which is existing and/or identified in the 'Specific Restoration Guidelines', regardless of land use zoning, shall be retained and restored.

• Any proposed additions and alterations to this conserved building are subject to evaluation. Please submit your proposal for URA's review.

• Apply for Specific Restoration Guidelines (SRG)

• Submission Process for Works

Explore Street View

The building can be found at this street.