WELCOME TO OUR CHIJMES HISTORY WEBSITE!!!
[a project done by TKGS girls of 1e3'06]
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Origin of the Street Name
Distinctive Architectural Design or Cultural Significance
Significant Historic Event
Major Economic Activity
Map
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Origin of the Street Name
Rev Jean Marie Beurel of St Brieu (Brittany), was in the Mission in Singapore from 1839 to 1869. As early as 1849, he wrote to Governor Butterworth to say that since St Joseph's Institution was ready to be established, it might be worthwhile to found another charitable organization for the girls next to the church in Victoria Street. The Governor disagreed, as did his successor Governor Blundell in 1852. On 18 August 1852 however, Father Beurel used his own money to purchase a house at the corner of Victoria Street and Bras Basah Road for $4,000. The house was built by a famous architect at that time, Mr Cdnan, for Mr Caldwell. This was the beginning of the Convent building, covering a space larger than that of any ecclesiastical body in Singapore, and having a large open space with grass and trees in the centre. In 1840, Father Beurel bought four lots of land for $3,150 from the Trustees of Raffles Institution, then in need of funds. By 1860, he conveyed it as a gift to "the Reverend Mother St Mathilde and her successors in office". It was Father Beurel who had applied to the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in St Mau in France for Sisters to run his convent in Singapore.
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DISTINCTIVE ACHITECTURAL DESIGN OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Pictures of the CHIJMES building:
Building The Chapel, 1890-1900.
THE BUILDING: The chapel of the CHIJMES compromised of buttresses on either side of the building, crowned by a spire five-storys high. It was deisgned by FATHER NAIN who was inspired by the many gothic churches near his home town. Over the years the chapel was repainted twice before the pastel grey that it is today. A gothic linkway joined the chapel to Caldwell house, decorated by a series of pointed arches with 648 capital columns each very unique.
THE TILES: The floor was decorated with brightly coloured terrazzo tiles.
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS: The stained windows were damaged by the MRT tunneling. The wooden boards put over the windows proved to be insufficient protection. Specialists said that in order to save the windows, it was necessary that the stained glass to be removed and restored. Therefore, thirty-five thousand pieces of stained-glass were shipped to Belgium, back to the workshop of jules dobbelaere for restoration. It was stipulated that a specialist in gothic architecture had to be engaged for the restoration of the chapel. With those measure in place, town convent reopened as CHIJMES in 1996. Now, dazzling chandeliers hang from the lofty ceiling and what's remaining on the floor are the original terrazzo tiles, a touching reminder of the past.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Gate of Hope
The Gate of Hope's true history is nothing short of story-book drama. The door was known in Singapore as the place where abandoned babies could be left for the orphanage to take in.
No matter what race or religion, the nuns that ran the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus would take in any child if it was left at this door. This kindness was not lost on the other religions of Singapore,and Buddhists especially gave generously to the building funds of the orphanage whenever it was necessary
Another stop on the tour is the area known as the “Holy Ground” of Chijmes. It is so-called because when restoration to the compound was done in the 1990s, holy relics were found buried there. One piece that was uncovered was a 200-year-old crucifix. It is thought that these pieces were buried during the Japanese Occupation so they wouldn't fall into enemy hands.
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A Significant Historic Event in CHIJMES History
The CHIJMES chapel was of the greatest architectural historical value. The government was pressured to conserve the entire complex . It was decided that the whole compound would be restored, and that the Urban Redevelopment Authority(URA) would fully undertake this task. But in a few months, it was decided that the Town Convent would make an attractive and profitable commercial centre due to its central location in Singapore. It was no longer acceptable to spend public money on re-establishment as it was not slated for government use anymore. Thus, it was decided to sell the property to a private developer to re-establish.
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Major Economic Activity
CHIJMES is now a renowned dining, shopping and entertainment site. CHIJMES Hall, the restored chapel, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for musicals, recitals, theatrical performances and weddings. Formerly one of the last few cloistered convents in the world, the fine gothic architecture is a favourite theme among photographers.This attracts many tourists from all over the world to come and see this magnificent building.
Now preserved as a national heritage site, it is an attraction offering exciting shopping, wining and dining options, both indoors or al fresco on two levels. For the more enthusiastic, live music and late-night dancing in two joints will certainly stir anyone out of slumber, perhaps even the legendary “ghosts” of a long-gone era. The old chapel with beautiful stained-glass windows is today CHIJMES Hall, which serves as a dimunitive but pleasurable venue for musicals, recitals and other theatrical performances as well as social functions such as product launches, cocktail parties and wedding dinners.
Some well-known restaurants that can be found there include Bobby Rubino's, Capella, Carnivore and Lei Garden Restaurant.
Some pictures of the restaurants there:
Lei Garden
Bobby Rubino's
Capella
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Maps of C.H.I.J.M.E.S.
The Map of C.H.I.J.M.E.S.[Inside]
Location Map of C.H.I.J.M.E.S.
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Thank You for visiting our site! We hope you have gained more knowledge on C.H.I.J.M.E.S. now. This project was done by: Catherine Anne Chew (5), Chow Jia Ying (7), Han Yingbin (10), Jacqueline Bong (14), Renee Lim (18) & Nicole Tan (25) all from 1e3 '06. -Goodbye! (:
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