Fotógrafo eis Pictures through a photographer's eyes.

C.H.I.J.M.E.S (pronounced as “chimes”) is one of Singapore’s unique historical building left behind after the colonial era. Presently, the compound of C.H.I.J.M.E.S itself is transformed into a bustling place of fine dining, bars and restaurants. The history of C.H.I.J.M.E.S dates way back to 1854.

Taken from the C.H.I.J.M.E.S website:

Chijmes was once the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), established in 1854. The order of the Holy Infant Jesus was founded by a Frenchman, Father Nicholas Barre. Born in Amiens, France in 1621 and educated at a Jesuit college

in his hometown, Nicholas Barre decided to dedicate his life to God. He joined the Convent des Minimes, one of the strictest orders in the church and was appointed Professor of Theology. Despite his success, he was a man of humility and the idea of improving education in France struck him.

Young women volunteers of Rouen ran the first “Charitable Schools” in their town to teach the poor children. They went each morning to teach, gathering the children from home to home if necessary. Father Barre realized the need of spiritual bond among the sisters to counteract rising opposition from the other “writing masters” or teachers of that time. Thus, he began a new religious congregation. As membership increased, the schools multiplied. In Paris, he named his schools simply as “School of the Holy Infant Jesus”. In 1678, he founded a Novitiate for the Sisters on the Seine.

However, in May 1686, his health declined and on 24 May, Father Barre’s soul returned to the Maker. By the end of the century, less than 25 years after the opening of the Mother-House in Paris, Father Barre’s congregation was directing 80 establishments for free education and 40 boarding schools in the French provinces. The period of office of Rev Mother de Faudoas (1837-1877) saw a wonderful expansion in the Institute’s work. The Institute developed rapidly after official approval by the Holy See of Rome was given. It spread from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, to the Far East - from America to England, Spain, Malaya, Japan and even to Thailand.

The first missionary trip to the East was made in 1851 by five nuns but it was a failure. The Superior of the party died at sea, another caught brain-fever and a third left on reaching Singapore. Only two nuns were left and another party had to be sent. Sister Mathilde was chosen as the Superior of this new party of four Sisters who finally reached Penang on 28 October 1852 after a tiring journey of six months.

C.H.I.J.M.E.S is one of the many intricate colonial architecture preserved by the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore. Left standing at the heart of Singapore’s city centre, the C.H.I.J.M.E.S restaurant and bar is the “in” place to be for young party goers and especially for those who appreciate fine dining.

This picture is made up of 5 pieces of portrait shots stitched together piece by piece into a panoramic view from the Church’s main entrance.