14
Emporer opera costume with instruments1950
15
Although no one was professionally trained, sheer enthusiasm led many to contribute their talents: singing or playing musical accompaniments or performing stories brought back from Hong Kong or Vancouver. Community concerts went on until the late 80s or early 90s.16
Chinese United Church, summer of 20051 August 2005
303 High Street West, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
17
Of all these organizations, however, perhaps it is the Chinese United Church that brought people together the most. Most Chinese converted to Christianity after arriving in Canada, where the Church was seen as a wholesome influence and a welcoming Canadian institution.18
Reverend E. J. Chegwin1910
19
The Chinese United Church, an offshoot of the Zion United Church, was established in 1912, initially in the basement of the Yip Foo block on River Street.20
Yip Foo1930
21
Yip Foo was one of Moose Jaw's more prominent Chinese residents, and extremely active in the church.22
Dora Yipp1920
23
Yip Foo's daughter Dora, the first Chinese baby born in Moose Jaw, was a missionary in China in the 1930s, but maintained close ties with church members.24
Mrs. Sinclair's English class1950
25
Perhaps the greatest contribution made by the Church was through the work of Mrs. A.C. Sinclair, a retired teacher who taught evening English classes from the 1950s to 1970s. A generation of immigrants learned English from Mrs. Sinclair, who volunteered her services in memory of her husband, who had been helped by Chinese during a war.26
Chinese United Church, summer of 20051 August 2005
303 High Street West, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
27
The Church moved to its present location on High Street and 3rd Ave. NW, the oldest church building in Moose Jaw, in the 1950s. Today, church membership has declined with the population. |
 |
 |
 |