The Danish Seamen’s Church in Singapore celebrated its 40th anniversary on Saturday 13 September 2025 with a lively gathering of around 100 people at the Golden Bell.
Guests arrived in the late afternoon to a courtyard decorated with Danish flags, a marquee tent, and a festive barbecue buffet. Music filled the air, the kiosk sold sweets, and interim pastor Pia Sundbøll, who began her three-month posting on 8 September, was introduced to the guests.
In her speech, Pia Sundbøll reflected on how the church, though originally built for seafarers, has always kept its doors open to all. She later led the community in singing I Østen stiger solen op, a symbolic hymn for Danes living in Asia. Among the guests was Danish Ambassador Jakob Brix, alongside families, students, Danes on a gap year, and long-term residents.
In his anniversary speech, Oliver Andersen, the newly elected chairman of the church council, described the event as a strong reminder of the community’s attachment to the church:
“I get the feeling from those who come that this is so important for the Danes here. Some visit weekly, others only once a year, but everyone expects us to be here. Seeing 100 people gathered is amazing — people meet new friends, expand their network, and experience a sense of belonging.”
Oliver Andersen also shared his first memory of the church: attending a Christmas service in 1993 while visiting his father. Coming from a frosty Danish December to tropical Singapore, he thought Christmas would feel out of place — until the hymn Glade Jul rang out.
“It was magical, and for me an instant bond with this place,” he recalled.
Over the years, the church has been the setting for baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and the occasional funeral, as well as cultural events, and even royal visits. It has hosted lively movie nights, festive bazaars, and traditional celebrations such as Fastelavn and Sankt Hans. It has also been a place of farewells, offering dignity and comfort in times of loss.
In his speech, Oliver Andersen compared the church to a ship “laden with goodies, friendship, faith, traditions, and memories.” Keeping that ship afloat depends on pastors sent from Denmark, dedicated volunteers, and loyal sponsors, he said, all of whom have helped maintain the Golden Bell as an open door for seafarers, expatriates, students, and backpackers alike.
Looking to the future, Oliver Andersen invited the Danish community in Singapore to continue supporting the church: “Come cruise with us for the next 40 years, so those who are here then will look back on 80 years of greatness for the DSC in Singapore.”
