Location of Former Saint Joseph's Institution in Singapore
A courtyard within the grounds of the former Saint Joseph's Institution.One of the long verandahs at the rear of the building.A stone sculpture artwork on display at the Singapore Art Museum.
Built on the site of a small Catholic chapel erected in the 1830s, the first in Singapore, the former Saint Joseph's Institution is another example of the work of a 19th-century Frenchpriest-architect, Brother Lothaire. Brother Lothaire was one of six Brothers, five Sisters and two young missionaries who came to Singapore with Reverend Father Jean Marie Beurel on his return from France in 1852 to found the new Catholic boys' school of Saint Joseph's Institution.
When the school was first completed in 1867, the completed building which is the current central block comprised a two-storey rectangular block with a pitchedroof and modest belfry.
In 1903-1906, Father Nain, the then parish priest, added two new semi-circular wings to match the architectural theme of the central block and to define the fine Baroque entrance forecourt which is such an important part of the urban area in which it stands. This quality has been all but destroyed in recent years.
In 1910, verandahs running along the whole length of the building were added at the rear, a large dome built that replaced the old belfry was lined with teak and the cross was erected. New pediments and a parapet were also added. Brother Michael was responsible for the hall, gymnasium and the chapel, which were added between 1911 and 1912.
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