Chinese Mission Church, Newcastle

Built around 1905 by the Presbyterian Church of NSW the Mission Hall was where members of the Chinese community of Newcastle could learn to read and write English and hold Christian Church services. The first and only Newcastle pastor, the Rev. Kem Yee, conducted services and lessons for many years. After his death in 1935 the church was supervised by the Chinese minister in Sydney. The Rev. Kem Yee was preaching to big congregations as there were many Chinese gardens extending in the area. As the city developed, these gardens moved to the outer suburbs, and attendances fell.

It was reported that many of the Chinese who had been associated with the church, despite having returned to China, continued to be involved.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, Tuesday 18 Apr 1939, p.6.

OLD CHINESE CHURCH SITE.

The site of the old Presbyterian Chinese Church in Devonshire street, Newcastle, which runs off Hunter street near the Technical College, was sold by auction last week to Wright Autos for £630. The Presbyterian Church will probably demolish the church. The building was erected 35 years ago, but the timbers are in good condition, and there is no sign of white ants or rot.

Daily Examiner, Tuesday 25 April, 1939, p.7.

Mission Church, Newcastle

Image Courtesy of: Historical Photographs of Newcastle NSW Australia

The image is not of people in national costume but rather in costumes typical of Chinese Opera.