What do the Papers Say?

Besides trying to convert the Chinese from their "heathen" ways, the Chinese missions also took on the tasks of late 19th century ESL schools for the Chinese, as well as operating an outreach programme for Chinese women escaping from the field of prostitution.

The Chinese missions, and, indeed, the Chinese churches in Victoria into which they developed is not particularly well documented by the newspapers of the day. Indifference and hostility to the missionaries' work is likely reflected in the media coverage. The opening of the first Chinese Mission School did get some favourable attention, though.

Victoria Daily Colonist 20 March 1874, p. 3

Chinese Mission School

Last night in Bossi’s block, Cormorant street, was inaugurated a school to be known as the Chinese Mission School.  Mr. Vrooman, of San Francisco, (whose father was for 33 years a missionary in China) who is thoroughly conversant with their language and customs, and is engaged in Chinese mission work in that city, has been spending several weeks in Victoria, and it was at his suggestion that the matter was taken in hand.  On visiting a number of Chinese merchants they were found to be greatly in favour of the establishment of the school, and promised financial assistance, Mr. Loo Choo Fan, of Kwong Lee & Co., tendering $50, and promising that he would assist further when called upon to do so.

The object of the school is to first instruct the Chinese in English, and as they master this to use it as a means of instilling Christian precepts.  A Christianized Chinaman and his wife who are at present in Portland, can be secured to conduct the Sunday services and to take charge of the school for secular instruction.  Representations have been forwarded by the Rev. Mr. Percival, pastor of the Methodist church of this city, to the Methodist missionary society in the east, stating the phases of the matter, and it is confidently expected that society will proclaim Victoria as a Chinese mission field and support the effort.

A large, comfortable upstair room has been secured and furnished with school desks, benches, etc.  On the wall was a large illuminated motto with the words “God bless our Sunday school.”

Last night the first session was held, the books used being the same as those in the public schools.  The secular classes will be under the charge of Miss Pollard and Miss Burgess, who will be occasionally assisted by volunteers.  Mr. Vrooman will remain until the latter part of the week to see the school thoroughly underway.  There were about 25 Chinamen in attendance at the opening last night, ranging in age from 8 to 40 years, who all seemed anxious to “heap savee” the English language.  At the close the Lord’s prayer was repeated in English by the Rev. Mr. Percival, and also in Chinese by Mr. Vrooman.  As the Celestials scholars departed they each thanked their teachers and said that they would come again.

The effort thus begun by a few is a most praiseworthy one, and there can be little doubt about its success, for the Chinese themselves seem anxious for it, and have promised to give it substantial assistance, while Christians should countenance it as a step in the right direction.