Shanghai Holy Trinity Cathedral hosted a lecture on Sunday recalling the historical anecdotes of church schools in the city, featuring insights from Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council.
Rev. Wu opened the lecture by noting that China once had 15 church-affiliated schools, including two Catholic institutions. He highlighted the early missionary efforts in education and reflected on the growth of Christianity in China, which had only reached approximately 700,000 believers by 1949.
Tracing the historical challenges faced by Christianity in China, Rev. Wu referenced the Chinese Rites Controversy, which led to a ban on the religion during Emperor Kangxi’s reign, lasting until the Opium Wars. He acknowledged that Western missionaries' involvement in signing unequal treaties with China led to resentment among Chinese intellectuals. To counter this opposition, missionaries shifted their focus to education, healthcare, and lexicography, seeking to reshape perceptions of Christianity through contributions to Chinese society.
One of the most notable church schools was St. John’s University, founded by Anglican missionaries in 1879. The institution educated over 6,300 students and left a lasting impact on Chinese society. Distinguished for its English-language instruction, emphasis on physical education, and vibrant extracurricular activities, St. John’s Unversity also fostered strong alumni connections.
With the motto "Light and Truth," the university emphasizes the integration of study and critical thinking, echoing Confucius' famous adage: "Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous."
The university’s English curriculum exposed students to global affairs, while etiquette training prepared them for international interactions—an area Rev. Wu noted remains a challenge for many in China today. With significant student autonomy, the university encouraged activities such as debates, speeches, and scientific experiments, broadening students' perspectives and social skills.
Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, St. John’s adopted an honor system, allowing students to decide whether exams required supervision—an approach aimed at developing moral character. Registered in the United States, the university enabled graduates to pursue advanced studies at American schools.
Initially serving underprivileged students, St. John’s later attracted children of dignitaries and elites as its reputation grew. While most graduates did not enter religious vocations, the university produced influential figures, including diplomat V. K. Wellington Koo, educator Yan Yangchu, writer Lin Yutang, and novelist Eileen Chang (Zhang Ailing). The alumni network remains active, with the latest World Union Johanneans gathering held in Shanghai in 2018.
Another significant church school was the University of Shanghai, established by Baptist missionaries in 1906 as the first institution in China to admit both male and female students.
“We live in the best era yet,” Rev. Wu concluded. “With gratitude, we should dedicate ourselves to the growth of both the church and our country.”
