CHURCHES
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The preacher at the 25th anniversary celebration, in October 1931, gave a fairly full summary of the Church's history. As far back as 1899, he said, the then Bishop of Victoria, Dr. Hoare, went over to Kowloon to select a suitable site for the new Church that was proposed, but although one was found where St. Andrew's Church now stands, they could not make a start on the building work on account of the lack of funds. It was then suggested by some people that Sir Paul Chater might be approached for financial assistance. Sir Paul was willing to give $35,000, conditional on a free site being granted by the Government, and this site having been secured under that condition, St. Andrew's Church was erected, according to plans prepared by Messrs. Leigh and Orange, who gave their services free of charge.
The foundation stone was laid in 1904, as stated above, by Bishop Hoare, and on the completion of the building, other residents came forward with gifts to supplement the magnificent donation of Sir Paul. Mr. Brier, the supervising architect, gave the beautiful brass lectern. Bishop Hoare gave the pulpit, reading desk, choir stalls, and Communion railings. Mr. W. King gave the big Holy Bible, Rev. F. T. Johnson, then Chaplain of St. John's Cathedral, gave the baptismal font.
Bishop Hoare never lived to see the fruition of the work which he initiated, for he was drowned, as stated, in the typhoon of 1906, the tragedy occurring only a month before the completion of the edifice. The Church was consecrated by the Venerable Archdeacon Banister.
The first of the Church's line of Vicars was the Rev. Arthur James Stephens, B.A. (1906-1909), who could only give part-time service as the small congregation at the beginning could not afford the services of a full-time pastor. It was to the credit of the Cathedral Body that they came forward at this stage and assumed full responsibility for the stipend of a full-time Vicar, conditional on the Rev. Mr. Stephens also helping at their Church. This was agreed to for a term. When it ended, Mr. Stephens left for Home.
The Rev. Hugh Octavius Spink, M.A. (1909-1912), next took up the work. Mr. Spink was "a real man in every sense of the word" and he had the additional attribute of being a remarkable gymnast, and proceeding about his vicarial duties with enthusiasm, started a gymnastic class in connection with the Church. When the Great War broke out, Mr. Spink went into active service as one of the ranks and was a Chaplain of the Forces when he was killed.
The next pastor was the Rev. Norman Christopher Pope, M.A. (1912-1918), who was "a man of beautiful character." He was most lovable and was blessed with a helpful and devoted wife. His sudden and tragic death deprived the Church of a most admirable pastor.
The Rev. Arthur T. W. Dowding, M.A. (1918-1919), succeeded the Rev. Mr. Pope as Vicar of the Church, carrying...
CHURCHES
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140
The preacher at the 25th anniversary celebration, in October 1931, gave a fairly full summary of the Church's his - tory. As far back as 1899, he said the them Bishop of Victoria Dr. Hoare went over to Kowloon to select a suitable site for the new Church that was proposed, but although one was found where St. Andrew's Church now stands, they could not make a start on the buildingwork on account of the lack of funds. It was then suggested by some people that Sir Paul Chater might be approached for financial assistance. Sir Paul was willing to give $35,000, conditional an a free site being granted by the Government and this site having been secured under that condition, St. Andrew's Church was erected, accord- ing to plans prepared by Messrs. Leigh and Orange, who gave their services free of charge.
The foundation stone was laid in 1904, as stated above by Bishop Hoare and on the completion of thebuilding other residents came forward with gifts to supplement the magnificient donation of Sir Paul. Mr. Brier, the super- vising architect gave the beautiful brass lectern. Bishop Hoare the pulpit, reading desk, choir stalls and Communion railings. Mr. W. King the big Holy Bible, Rev. F. T. Johnson then Chaplain of St. John's Cathedral, the baptismal font.
Bishop Hoare never lived to see the fruition of the work which he initiated for he was drowned, as stated in the typhoon of 1906, the tragedy occurring only a month before the completion of the edifice. The Church was consecrated by the Venerable Archdeacon Banister.
The first of the Church's line of Vicars was the Rev. Arthur James Stephens, B. A. (1906-1909) who could only give part time service as the small congregation at the beginning could not afford, The services of a fulltime pastor. It was to the credit of the Cathedral Body that they came forward at this stage and assumed full responsibility for the stipend of a full time Vicar conditional on the Rev. Mr. Stephens also helping at their Church. This was agreed to for a term ended, Mr. Stephens left for Home.
The Rev. Hugh Octavius Spink, M.A. ( 1909-1912 ) next took up thework Mr. Spink, was " a real man in every sense of the word " and he had the additional attribute of being a remarkable gymnast and proceeding about his vica- riate duties with enthusiasm started a gymnastic class in connextion with the Church. When the Great War broke out Mr. Spink went into active services as one one of the ranks, and was a Chaplain of the Forces when he was killed.
The next paster was the Rev. Norman Chirstopher Pope, M. A. (1912-1918 ) who was " a man of beautiful character. He was most lovable and was blessed with a helpful and devoted wife. His sudden and tragic death deprived the Church of a most admirable pastor. ##
The Rev. Arthur T. W. Dowding M. A. (1918-1919 ) succeeded the Rev. Mr. Pope as Vicar of the Church, carrying
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