A surprising sight to see on its little hillock is the cathedral of St. Andrew's Church (聖安德烈堂). It is a red brick structure with intricate white arches for the doorways and windows.
It is surprising because it is in marked contrast to the congested modern architecture along Nathan Road, and you won't see it unless you know it is there. It isa refreshing place, so stop in and take a look.
The Cathedral
Themain cathedralis quite big. It is composed of pleasant colored red bricks. It was built in the traditional cruciform shape, and it has a bell tower. In the inside, the soft red roof gives the place amellow feel. You can sit and read on the wooden benches and relax in the quiet dark coolness.
It is hidden away behind a wall, and the property is on a small hillock, so you can pass right by it and not know it is there when you are walking down Nathan Road. But if you step inside, you'll besurprised by the unusual beautyof the stained glass windows and colorful interior.
It is generally open to the public during the day, and you can get away from the road noise and the crowds on Nathan Road and Kowloon Park across the street. There is a garden, and you cansit and rest inside in the pleasant cool interior.
History
Nathan Road(彌敦道) was the first road built in Kowloon. The British government built the road when they took over Kowloon in 1860. St. Andrew's Church was the first major non-military building built in the vicinity. Construction started in 1904, and itwas inaugurated in 1906after a furious typhoon swept through.
Other Church Buildings
To the right is a multistory function building that is used for classes and is also used by other organizations. To the left, there is there is alarge housethat was formerly the pastorage. Now it is used for meetings and special events. It is well decorated, and the interior has a solid and comfortable feel.
Essential Information
St. Andrew's has long beenknown as a very active churchinvolved in education, social service outreach, evangelical outreach, refugee care, and community events.
- Public hours:The building is open between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm except when there are functions.
- English services:8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:30 am, and 5 pm.
- Putonghua Chinese service:2 pm.
Transportation
- Address:138 Nathan Road, Tsimshatsui
- Walk:You can easily walk there from the Star Ferry in about 24 minutes.
- MTR:Jordan Station, Exit D.
Nearby Attractions
- Kowloon Masjid
- Kowloon Park
- Space Museum
- Hong Kong Museum of Art
- Harbor City Mall
- Temple Street Night Market(for shopping)
