Timeline
2012
Rebuilding at current address completed
On 14 February, a Temporary Occupation Permit was issued for our premises at 589A Sembawang Place as the rebuilding was completed. The pastoral and office staff were able to move back into this address.
On 26 May of the same year, the church held thanksgiving and dedication services for completion of the new premises.
2010
Rebuilding of the building at current address
On 5 December, a groundbreaking ceremony was carried out at 589A Sembawang Place and rebuilding of the premises ensued.
2000
Opening of Glory Joy Child Development Centre in the neighbourhood
In June, Glory Joy set up a new childcare centre at the ground floor of Block 501B Wellington Circle. It was named Glory Joy Child Development Centre.
1999
Closure of kindergarten, Start of worship services at Boys’ Brigade/Girls’ Brigade Campsite
As licence of the kindergarten was not renewed by the relevant authorities, the school had to close. In view of Glory Joy’s burden towards children’s education, we actively shared our vision and requests with the Members of Parliament who were serving the Sembawang district.
On 5 September of the same year, the venue of our worship services was shifted to the Boys’ Brigade/Girls’ Brigade Campsite located at 1200 Sembawang Road.
1986
Relocation to current address, Resumption of kindergarten ministry
Due to redevelopment of the land where Imperial Theatre was located, Rev. Matthew Ding, church leaders and the brothers and sisters at Glory Joy recognised the need of having our own premises, so as to accomplish bigger and more challenging tasks for our Lord Jesus.
With God’s mercy, we took up a bank loan, as well as obtained interest-free loans from Christian Nationals’ Evangelism Commission and the brothers and sisters of Glory Joy. With these, we were able to procure the premises of our current address at 589A Sembawang Place for worship services. With a permanent venue, operations of the kindergarten resumed.
1985
Relocation to Imperial Theatre, Temporary halt of kindergarten & nursery ministry, Start of ministry with Boys’ Brigade
Thanks to the grace of God, through the active ministering of the brothers and sisters in Glory Joy, the number of believers grew continuously to more than 150. As the venue at Jalan Kuras could not accommodate gatherings of such a scale, Glory Joy shifted once again, this time to Imperial Theatre, which was near Shunfu residences (also in the vicinity of Upper Thomson Road).
Due to restrictions at the new venue, the kindergarten and nursery ministry was temporarily halted. At the same time, Glory Joy started sponsoring The Boys’ Brigade 13th Singapore Company which was based in Yio Chu Kang Secondary School back then. (The sponsoring school was changed to Sembawang Secondary School in 1999.)
1978
Formal establishment of Glory Joy Christian Church, Start of kindergarten & nursery ministry and English worship services
As the number of worship service attendees grew to over 40, a bigger space was needed. The church relocated to Jalan Kuras (near Upper Thomson Road) and used the premises of the then Grace Church for worship services. Glory Joy Christian Church was also formally established.
During this time, Glory Joy started a new ministry in the form of a kindergarten and nursery; and also began the English worship services.
1977
Start of worship services at Mayflower residences
Founder of Glory Joy Christian Church, Rev. Matthew Ding, responded to the vision given by the Lord, our Father, instructing him to spread the gospel to residents of Ang Mo Kio New Town. Hence he rented a unit at Mayflower private residences, which was adjacent to Ang Mo Kio New Town, and began worship services. Back then, there were around 10 attendees and all of them were young people.