Visit to St. Stephen’s College

On 25 June 2025, the staff and interns from the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Archives visited St. Stephen’s College to gather vital historical information relating to Canon E. W. L. Martin, the fourth principal of the college. This visit aimed to explore the college's extensive history during the challenging period of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Fall of Hong Kong.

St. Stephen's College in Hong Kong is a prestigious and historic educational institution. Established in 1903, the college aims to provide quality education and training for the whole person, with a balanced emphasis on moral, intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic and spiritual development, in a caring and supportive Christian environment. The college believes in equipping students with life-long learning skills, sound moral principles and broad global perspectives so that they become competent, committed and resourceful leaders of tomorrow, academic achievement and personal growth.

The college warmly welcomed our group, with Ms. Julie Ma, the Principal of St. Stephen’s College, Mr. Chan Kwok Pui, the Heritage Gallery Co-ordinator, and Ms. Daisy Mo, the teacher, provided generous hospitality. Mr. Chan offered an overview outlining the development and background of St. Stephen’s College, with a particular focus on the challenging times during the Battle of Hong Kong and the post-World War II era. We are grateful that the college displayed valuable documents and records related to Canon E. W. L. Martin. Additionally, four students trained through the college’s Docents and Exchange Programmes participated as guides, offering insightful tours.

Accompanied by Mr. Chan, Revd Will Newman, the College Chaplain, and the four enthusiastic student docents, our group toured key sites within the college, including the library, the Chapel, and the Heritage Gallery at Bungalow 3. Each location provided meaningful insights into the historical narrative of the college and its enduring influence on the school, the local community, and Hong Kong. The visit allowed us to immerse ourselves in the changes of St. Stephen's College, we have fully appreciated the resilience and the spirit of mutual assistance among the teachers and students of the college was deeply moving through turbulent times.

This visit demonstrates the ongoing commitment and mission of our archive to preserving and recording essential historical stories relevant to the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui. It not only deepened our understanding of St. Stephen’s College’s historical journey, but also strengthened collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Anglican institutions dedicated to the traditions and mission of Sheng Kung Hui.