Take a walk along Hill Street. You might spy the Central Fire Station in front of you, the old Hill Street Police Station straight ahead and the tech-geek haven, Funan, to the left. But did you notice the white colonial building to your right, the Armenian Church, with its beautiful statues and memorial garden?

The Armenian Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Christian church in Singapore and was build by G.D Coleman (the nearby Coleman Street was named after him).

Take the chance to explore this historic national monument during  Illuminate 175, which celebrates the Church’s  175th anniversary with tours, activities for kids and free nightly pop-rock and jazz concerts!

Organised by the Preservation of Monuments Board (PMB) together with the trustees of the Armenian Church, this special weekend celebration will be held at the grounds of the oldest church in Singapore on 12 and 13 March 2011.

This small but impactful Armenian community included prominent individuals responsible for three of Singapore’s greatest icons – the Raffles Hotel, The Straits Times and Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim. Two brothers, Tigran and Aviet Sarkies, founded the Raffles Hotel in 1887; Catchik Moses founded The Straits Times in 1845; and Agnes Joaquim was a keen gardener and horticulturalist credited for breeding the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

53A and Michaela Therese will perform at the Armenian Church alongside other local bands

This family-friendly event promises to engage all with tours of the church grounds, Armenian food tastings, quizzes and art activities such as batik painting and orchid paper crafts. Enjoy free nightly pop-rock and jazz concerts featuring popular local musicians 53A, Raw Earth and Fritz Quartet, who will share the stage with the Armenian Heritage Ensemble and Armenian musicians from Malaysia.

Day Programme on 12 and 13 March (2pm to 5.30pm)*
• Tours of the Armenian Church by PMB’s student Monument Ambassadors (every half hour)
• On-site quiz with instant prizes
• Learning tours specially for families with children with PMB’s Volunteer Guide
• Craft activities: Batik painting of orchid designs and create your very own Vanda Miss Joaquim out of paper
• Armenian food tasting
• Public voting of Illuminate 175 Poster Design Competition (results announced at 5.45pm on 13 March)

Pop/Rock Concert on 12 March (6pm to 10.30pm)
• 53A (pop/rock)
• Raw Earth (pop/rock)
• Norayr & Anushik (Armenian pop/folk duo)

Jazz/Classical Concert on 13 March (6pm to 10.30pm)
• Fritz Quartet
• Michaela Therese
• Armenian Heritage Ensemble

For more information call 6332 8515 or e-mail nhb_nationalmonuments@nhb.gov.sg.