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History

In 1852, the Brothers of the Christian Schools arrived in Singapore to establish their first school, at the invitation of Father Jean-Marie Beurel, who played a pivotal role in bringing them here.

Born in Brittany, France, in 1813, Fr Beurel arrived in Singapore on 27 October 1839 as part of the Mission of Siam. He secured land from the colonial government and oversaw the construction of a larger church for the growing Catholic community—today’s Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

Convinced of the importance of education in nurturing Christian faith, he sought to open a boys’ school under the care of the Brothers. He also facilitated the arrival of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus, who founded the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in 1854.

The La Julie on which the first Brothers sailed, arriving in Singapore on March 29 1852,

Fr Beurel, Jan 1849, in a letter to Fr Albrand, Director of the Seminary of Foreign Missions in Paris, asked for the Brothers to come.

Beurel left for France on 28 October 1850 to engage in discussions with the relevant authorities on his school building mission. While in France, he took the opportunity to convince the Reverend Mother Superior General of the Infant Jesus Sisters, Mother de Faudoas, to send some sisters to Singapore to begin a school for girls.

On his return to Singapore on 29 March 1852, Beurel brought along with him an initial team of six La Salle Brothers and four Infant Jesus sisters.

The Brothers travelled to Singapore on the La Julie, and arrived on March 29, 1852. The first school they taught in was named St. John in honour of St La Salle. A new building was completed in 1867 and the school was renamed St. Joseph's Institution

"Give me this grain of mustard seed and perhaps a fine tree will grow out of it. Give me a little leaven and perhaps my dough will become ready to make an excellent bread. Everything must have a beginning, even the Most gigantic things in nature” Fr Jean Beurel

As it began, so it has been. Since that step of faith taken by Fr Beural, for the last 173 years, the Lasallian mission in Singapore has been a story of faith, service, and steadfast commitment to educating and uplifting generations. This photo journey brings to life that unfolding history—from the arrival of the first six De La Salle Brothers in 1852, to the growth of schools across the island, to the evolving ministries and communities that continue to embody the Lasallian charism today. Through archival images, contemporary photographs, and snapshots of key milestones, this collection invites viewers to witness how the mission has taken root, endured challenge, inspired hope, and transformed countless lives. It is a celebration not only of institutions and heritage, but of the people—Brothers, educators, students, alumni, families, and partners—who together carry forward the Lasallian spirit of touching hearts, teaching minds, and transforming lives

An early 20th-century postcard of St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) on Bras Basah Road. Established in 1852 by six De La Salle Brothers at a former chapel, SJI was Singapore’s first Catholic boys’ school. By 1867, its stately central block (now part of the Singapore Art Museum) was completed, rooting the Lasallian presence in colonial Singapore.

1852–1870s: Beginnings of the Lasallian Mission

Catholic missionary Father Jean-Marie Beurel (MEP) had persuaded the Brothers to come, envisioning a school to impart faith and knowledge to local boys. In 1852, his vision bore fruit as SJI opened with a curriculum in languages, math, bookkeeping and art for children of all races and religions. This humble “mustard seed” of a school soon flourished, marking the start of 175 years of Lasallian education in Singapore and Asia.

St. Patrick’s School in Katong, pictured in 1941. Opened in 1933 as a branch of SJI, St. Patrick’s was built on beachfront land acquired by the Brothers in 1898. Its campus (seen here before the war) became the first Lasallian school serving Singapore’s East Coast community.

1880s–1930s: Expansion and New Foundations

As Singapore’s Catholic community grew, the De La Salle Brothers expanded their reach. By the 1920s, rising demand prompted Brother Stephen Buckley to transform a seaside retreat in Katong into a new school. St. Patrick’s School welcomed its first 245 students in 1933, featuring airy three-story classroom blocks and a chapel. By the late 1930s, Lasallian schools like St. Patrick’s were excelling academically – in 1938 it topped Singapore’s examination results, even outperforming its mother school SJI. The Lasallian footprint had firmly expanded from city to coast, nurturing generations of youth and new traditions. In 1938, the Brothers took over St. Anthony’s Boys’ School to serve boys in the town’s Portuguese Mission enclave.

The original De La Salle School entrance gateway at Kampong Bahru Road (seen in the 1980s). Opened in 1952, De La Salle School was one of several new Lasallian schools built post-WWII to meet Singapore’s baby-boom demand. The school’s distinctive entrance welcomed thousands of young “Lasallians” over the decades

1940s–1970s: Resilience Through War and Growth

World War II tested the resilience of the Lasallian mission. During the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945), school operations paused as buildings were repurposed – SJI’s campus served as a Red Cross hospital and barracks, while St. Patrick’s was taken over as a military hospital and later as the Japanese air force headquarters. Despite these trials, the Brothers returned in 1946 to rebuild. The post-war years saw a Lasallian boom: De La Salle School (1952) was founded, followed by St. Michael’s School (1954) and St. Stephen’s School (1957). These new primary schools – supported by Catholic alumni and families – were a heartfelt tribute to the Brothers’ centennial in Singapore and a response to the nation’s growing educational needs.

By the 1970s, the network of Lasallian institutions had become integral to Singapore’s education landscape. The schools not only produced top scholars and athletes but also instilled in students the Lasallian ethos of faith, service, and community.

The former SJI building today houses the Singapore Art Museum, its beautifully preserved facade a national monument. SJI moved to a new campus in 1988, but this iconic 19th-century building – with its dome and curved wings – stands as a visible legacy of 175 years of Lasallian education.

1980s–Present: Legacy and Continuing Mission in Schools

In recent decades, the Lasallian mission in Singapore has continued to evolve and thrive. In 1984, Brother Joseph McNally founded St. Patrick’s Arts Centre (now LASALLE College of the Arts), extending Lasallian education into the creative arts. By 1988, St. Joseph’s Institution relocated to a modern campus on Malcolm Road and gained independent school status, while its historic Bras Basah premises found new life as an art museum and heritage landmark.

In 2007, the Brothers partnered with alumni to establish SJI International, a co-educational international school offering a Lasallian education to both local and expatriate families. It upholds the same core values of faith, service, and community while delivering a global curriculum.

In 2023, the Lasallian presence extended further with the opening of SJI International Preschool, designed to nurture children aged 2 to 6 through early years education rooted in inquiry, empathy, and the Lasallian spirit.

The Lasallian family encompasses eight schools in Singapore – including SJI, SJI International, SJI International Pre-school, SJI Junior, St. Patrick’s, St. Stephen’s, De La Salle, and St. Anthony’s – all united by the common shared ethos of faith, service, and community. Though fewer in number, the Brothers remain active as teachers, counsellors, and mentors, working alongside lay educators to keep the charism of John Baptist de La Salle alive. In 2022, Lasallians gathered at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd to celebrate 170 years since the Brothers’ arrival – honouring a journey “for the last, the lost, and the least” that continues strong.

As we approach the 175th anniversary, the spirit of the De La Salle Brothers in Singapore remains vibrant and life-giving. Generations of “Josephians,” “Patricians,” and Lasallians of all stripes carry forward a proud legacy of excellence and service: touching hearts, teaching minds, transforming lives yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

(2007–Present) La Salle Centre: Formation, Mission and Service

Established in 2007 and reconceptualised in 2023, the La Salle Centre serves as the coordinating hub for Lasallian formation and mission in Singapore. It supports all Lasallian schools and ministries through formation programmes, governance and pastoral support, and sector-wide initiatives that strengthen shared identity, values, and the “One La Salle” spirit.

(2010–Present) HopeHouse: A Ministry of Second Chances

Founded in 2010, HopeHouse expresses the Lasallian commitment to youths facing adversity. Providing shelter, structure, and mentorship, it supports young people navigating family conflict, disengagement from school, and reintegration challenges. Rooted in the Pedagogy of Presence, HopeHouse extends the Lasallian mission beyond classrooms through restorative, life-changing social ministry.

(2022–Present) La Salle House: Retreat, Reflection and Renewal

Inaugurated in 2022, La Salle House is a retreat and formation centre created from the former Brothers’ residence at St Patrick’s School. It supports retreats, formation programmes, spiritual direction, and gatherings, anchoring the ongoing formation of lay partners and nurturing the interior life as a foundation for the Lasallian mission.

(2024–Present) Lasallian Trust of Singapore: Unity, Mission and Stewardship

In November 2024, the establishment of the Lasallian Trust of Singapore (LTS) was announced to the Lasallian community, marking a significant milestone in the mission’s development in Singapore. Formally inaugurated on 8 August 2025 at a Mass celebrated by His Eminence William Cardinal Goh, LTS serves as the umbrella body unifying and guiding all Lasallian institutions locally. Its patrons—Dr Tony Tan, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Mr Lim Chee Onn, Mr Mah Bow Tan, Mr George Yeo, Mr Edwin Tong and Mr Philip Yeo—are distinguished Lasallians who have served the nation with distinction. Guided by priorities of building One La Salle identity, advancing formation, and supporting schools, LTS ensures the Lasallian charism continues to flourish collaboratively across Singapore.

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