No_1_1956 — Page 31

HOLY

CARPENTER CHURCH

AND HOSTEL

Architect:

Mr. S. K. LOONG

The call for charitable contribu- tions in Hong Kong are many and varied, ranging through the whole gamut of social, educational and re- ligious institutions. They help the sick, the maim. the blind, the help less and the poor and unfortunate ones whose numbers are legion and appear to be increasing each year, in spite of the tremendous amount of official and voluntary effort that is being expended.

Amongst these unfortunates, per- haps the ones that arouse most pity are the boys and girls who never had a chance. Born in the most squalid of surroundings. brought up without love and care, their childhood years are ones of miserv and want. To give these youngsters a chance in life, and to bring out whatever na- tural talents and abilities they may possess, is worthy of every effort that the more fortunate part of the community may make on their behalf. Much has been done for them in Hong Kong, much remains yet to be done; and the efforts of a small group who are planning the Holy

■ Carpenter Church and Hostel for young industrial workers deserves special mention.

In January 1952 the Right Rev. Bishop Hail formulated plans for a hostel in Kowloon which was to be an "after care" centre for boys and girls from St. Christopher's Home, Taipo. going out into the world to earn their own living.

site.

The work began in late De cember last year, the boys living in tents on the spot. The first lot of volunteers worked with such a will as to attract favourable attention to their prowess. and eventually all of them found employment in factories or workshops. Their places were taken by boys from Stanley Train- ing Centre.

Hardship is a challenge to youth when faced with determination and good cheer, and twice the boys had to seek temporary refuge at St. Thomas' Hostel in Shum Shui Po, when typhoon Pamela blew down the tents and when flying sparks and hot ashes from the squatter fire of Tai Wan Shan burnt holes in the tents.

After four months of hard and happy work the site was formed to the required levels and the first tem- Dorary structure, a discarded lean- to shelter from St. James Settle- ment. was erected. This will be used to house factory girls who need ac- commodation. The boys will be hous- ed under canvas for the time being. All this work has been paid for hy a grant from the Anglican Congress 1954.

The membership of this group of young workers is about 80 at present, and those working contribute to- wards an unemployment fund.

The objects the "Holy Carpenter" Committee is trying to attain are:

To help young workers to see them- selves and their work in the example of Christ the Carpenter as matter- ing to God and man.

To provide wholesome food and simple shelter for them on a self- supporting non-profit making basis. To help them to make good use of their leisure.

acceptable families.

once more to their

chitect's impression of Holy Carpen- Reproduced on this page is the ar-

ter Church and Hostel. The construc- tion will be in five stages as funds

become available:

1. Erection of the second-hand lean-to shelter as a hostel for girls. Boys will be housed under canvas for the time being.

2. For 1955-56, if the sum of $30,000 can be raised, to construct the all purpose Church and Hall. The Vestry of St. Andrew's Church pro- mised to pay for the chancel which will be used for worship, quiet or study. This part can be screened off from the main body of the Hall.

meetings, social functions and games The Hall will be used for meals. during the day and sleeping for boys at night.

of

3. For 1956-57, with the sum $25,000 it is hoped to collect, to build the ground floor of the hostel block for 50 boys, including sanitary facili- ties.

4. In 1957-58, another storey will be added to the hostel block to house another 50 boys at an estimated cost of $20,000.

5. In 1958-59, the final storey of the hostel block to house 50 girls will be built at an estimated cost of another $20,000. Then the lean-to shelter can be discarded to make room for out-door games.

If prices remain at the present level, it is hoped to house and feed a person with three meals a day for $55.00 per month.

With the assistance given by the Social Welfare Officer and the Crown Lands Office, a piece of land was ac- quired in Hung Hom from Govern- ment. and the task of site formation was undertaken by a group of lads temporarily out of work. An old lorry

that Holy Carpenter will be as near It is the hope of the promoters

was purchased, which after consid-

as possible "home" in every sense of erable "doctoring up" and persever- To rehabilitate those who have the word for the young workers un- ance, was repaired and put to work gone adrift to become useful mem- til the time comes when they can on the removal of the hill on the bers of society, and to make them each have a home of their own.

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