St. John's Cathedral, nestled in the heart of the city's financial district, is a bustling hub of activity on Sundays, often surpassing the surrounding business areas in terms of foot traffic. Established in 1849 primarily for the British garrison, this 170-year-old church is the oldest Anglican place of worship in the city. It holds great appeal for both faithful worshippers and curious visitors due to its unique architectural features and historical significance as the center of Victoria City during colonial times.
The initial church windows were lost in World War II, with the replacement windows crafted by Joseph Nuttgens. The North windows are particularly distinctive, showcasing not only a classic scene of Jesus pacifying the tempest, but also incorporating elements unique to Hong Kong in the side panes. These feature a naval vessel and officer on the left, while a junk boat and fisherwoman grace the right-hand pane.
When you step into St. John's Cathedral, you are entering a unique parcel of land in Hong Kong. Unlike the rest of the territory, which is leasehold, this plot has been granted to be the only permanent freehold land. in Hong Kong If you wish to learn more about this historic building and its rich heritage, consider attending a Sunday service.