History of St. John in Singapore: SJAB CHS

Contents

Introduction
International
National

History of St. John in Singapore

1935
Dr. J. S. Webster, a radiologist with the Medical Services in General Hospital, Sepoy Line, persuaded men and women to learn first aid. Lectures were organised by him and a few of his doctor friends.

1938
First division of the uniformed body of St. John was established. Shortly after the retirement of Dr. Webster, the Director of Medical Services was prevailed upon to take over the responsibility of Director of the St. John Ambulance Association, Singapore. The headquarters was at the 4th floor of Fullerton Building.

Gradually, more voluntary helpers were recruited. The Singapore Headquarters also became the headquarters of the Federation of Malaya, having sub-centres established in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Malacca.

Just before the outbreak of the Second World War, and to prepare for the Emergency, first aid classes were held in many languages such as English, French, Dutch, German, Malay, Tamil and several dialects of the Chinese were organised. Subsequently, the Government decided to incorporate all St. John personnel to form the nucleus of what was to become the Passive Defence Service of Singapore and Malaya - the Medical Auxiliary of Singapore (MAS).

1945
After 3 years and 8 months of Japanese Occupation, the day of liberation came in September 1945. The old St. Peter's Church at Stamford Road, Singapore was loaned to us by the Government as temporary headquarters.

1952
The first St. John Council was formed in Singapore to assist and coordinate the work of St. John Ambulance Association and St. John Ambulance Brigade in an advisory capacity.

1957
St. John Ambulance Headquarters was again transferred and temporarily housed at 25 Gilstead Road from March 1957.

1960
Our present Headquarters at 420 Beach Road was officially declared open by H.E. the Yang Di-Pertuan Negara of Singapore, Enche Yusof Ishak on May 1960.

1969
A Sub-Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association was formed in Jurong, Singapore's first industralized area.

1978
The St. John Ambulance Singapore was reorganised and upgraded to National Headquarters' level, bringing the status of the Organisation on par with other Independent Countries' St. John Organisations.

1989
There was a renewal of leadership. Dr. Gwee Ah Leng PJG.,C.St.J., JP retired from the Brigade on 23 June 1989 and Dr. (LTC) Low Cheng Hock, O.St.J., PPA took over as Chief Commissioner on 1 August 1989. Dr. Ee Peng Liang, PJG., BBM., JP., L.St.J. retired as Chairman of the National St.John Council on 21 July and was succeeded by Mrs Wee Chong Jin, a former Council member. Mr Chua Joon Nam, Deputy Chief Commissioner passed away on 14 August 1989 and was later succeeded by Dr. Ho Nai Kiong P.B.M., C.St.J..

1990
The opening of the Officer's Mess at National Headquarters as well as the launching of the Cadet Proficiency Badge Scheme for cadets to qualify for the Chief Commissioner's Award and the President's Award.

1991
On 16 December 1991, Dr. Baey Lian Peck JP., BBM., D Sc., was selected Chairman of the National St. John Council and actively leads St. John Ambulance towards its goals for the 20th century in line with the objects of the Council which are:

	To promote and encourage all works of humanity and charity for the relief of distress, suffering, sickness and danger without any distinction as to race, class or creed with its mottoes "For the Faith" and "For the Service of Mankind".
	To render aid to the sick, wounded, disabled or suffering and to promote such permanent Organisation in time of peace, as may be available immediately in time of emergency. Such aid shall include the provision of technical reserves for the Medical service of the Armed Forces or Civil Defence Organisations in the Republic of Singapore.
	To do such things as are incidental or conductive to the attainment of the above objects or any of them.

Although St. John started off as a Christian Organisation, its objectives in various countries, including Singapore have been modified to accept both Christian and non-Christian members. In Singapore this is in line with our National policy of a multi-racial and multi-religious society.

Today, the St. John of Singapore continues with its work for suffering humanity and it assists the Republic of Singapore whenever called upon in all emergencies. It is also involved in all Civil Defence Constituency Exercises throughout the Island.