Whispers of a forgotten past cling to the walls of Hoh Fuk Tong Centre. Let’s step back in time. We will uncover the layers of history woven into this unique place.
Hoh Fuk Tong Centre stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s pivotal role in modern Chinese history. It is near the Light Rail Hoh Fuk Tong stop. The centre’s story begins with General Cai Tingkai. He was a leader of the Nineteenth Route Army. This army bravely resisted the Japanese invasion.
In 1936, General Cai Tingkai built a villa here. This villa later became part of the Hoh Fuk Tong Centre. From 1946 to 1949, the Dade Institute used the Morrison Building for education. Zhou Enlai and Dong Biwu founded the institute. Many eminent Chinese academics lectured here. They nurtured young intellectuals. The Hoh Fuk Tong Centre was witness to a unique period. It saw the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.
Look closely at the Morrison Building within the Hoh Fuk Tong Centre. Notice the Art Deco style. Shanghai plaster adorns the walls. A green glazed Chinese tiled hipped roof sits atop. Dragon-shaped ornaments decorate the four corners. This is a rare blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. This combination makes the Morrison Building truly special.
After the Dade Institute closed, the London Missionary Society acquired the site. In 1961, they transferred ownership to the Church of Christ in China for just one dollar.
In the early 2000s, there were plans to demolish the historical buildings. The Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China applied to the Buildings Department. Fortunately, Morrison House was declared a proposed monument in 2003. It became a monument in 2004. This saved it from demolition.
The Hoh Fuk Tong Centre Building is another important structure. It was built in the 1940s. It served as the girls’ dormitory for the Former Dade Institute. Locals called it the “Red House”. This was because of its red brick construction.
The Hoh Fuk Tong Centre stands as a reminder of Hong Kong’s complex past. It embodies education, resistance, and cultural fusion. It also embodies faith. It honors Revd. Hoh Fuk Tong. He was the first Chinese pastor in Hong Kong. The Hoh Fuk Tong Centre preserves a unique chapter in Hong Kong’s story. It ensures that future generations remember its legacy.