Established in 1952 the Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Kau Yan Church stands before you. Its roots however stretch much further back. To 1847 in fact. That’s when Theodore Hamberg and Rudolph Lechler of the Basel Mission arrived in Hong Kong. Their mission was to spread Christianity among the Hakka people of Guangdong.
The Basel Mission initially established its base in Hong Kong. Missionary work primarily focused on western Guangdong. Hong Kong served as a vital home base. This was the beginning of a rich legacy. A legacy that this very church embodies.
Early services were held in the Hakka language beginning in 1851. The first baptism followed soon after. By 1860 a residential hall and girls’ school opened in Sai Ying Pun. This area would later become pivotal. A congregation formed there in 1867. It became the mission center of the Basel Mission in China. It’s now known as the Kau Yan Church. This church you stand before is the Kau Yan Church.
The Basel Mission also established churches in other parts of Hong Kong. One appeared in Shau Kei Wan in 1862. Another opened in Sham Shui Po in 1897. A church in the New Territories followed in 1905. The Basel Mission’s influence spread widely. This demonstrates its importance to Hong Kong’s early Christian community.
The Basel Church in China changed its name to Chongzhen Church in 1924. The Hong Kong district achieved self-sufficiency and self-governance in 1929. It maintained ties with the main Chongzhen Church for some time. However things shifted dramatically in 1949.
The Chongzhen Church joined the Lutheran Church of China. This was short-lived. Political changes in China led to the Yuedong Synod’s abolishment in 1950. This caused a significant shift.
The Hong Kong district of the Chongzhen Church lost contact with its mainland counterpart. In 1951 ties were formally broken. This led to the formation of the Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong. The church registered as an independent organization in 1952.
The Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong played a key role in establishing the Hong Kong Christian Council in 1954. It also contributed to the founding of the Hong Kong Lutheran Federation. In 1974 it became a member of the Lutheran World Federation.
Today the Tsung Tsin Mission of Hong Kong Kau Yan Church remains a significant landmark. A testament to a rich history of faith and community. The legacy of the Basel Mission continues through its schools. It continues through its dedication to its community. It lives on in the very fabric of this church. It is a place of worship and a symbol of resilience. It is a story worth remembering.