1 |
|
“...IAN GRANT 27 Little Ave Bame.ON L4N4M7 (70S)726-9677
THE CHEFOO MAGAZINE
SUMMER 1997...”
|
|
2 |
|
“...THE CHEFOO MAGAZINE [EST. 1908]
Published twice a year by the CHEFOO SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION
Edited By Dorothy Cox
34 Pirie Road West Bergholt Colchester Essex UK CO6 3TA
THE CHEFOO SCHOOLS (Founded In 1880)
Chefoo was established by the China Inland Mission at Chefoo (Yantai) in Northern China to provide an education for the children of missionaries and the business and diplomatic communities. In 1951 the school left China to relocate in South East Asia. Two Chefoo Schools are currently operating as junior schools in Japan and Malaysia under the Overseas Missionary Fellowship.
CHEFOO SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION (Founded In 1908)
To operate as an association for all former scholars and past and present members of the staffs of the Chefoo Schools.
To sustain interest amongst its members in matters concerning the Schools and in one another.
To afford means whereby its members are kept in touch with each other and with the Schools.
To promote friendly relationship between all persons in any way connected...”
|
|
3 |
|
“...INDEX
page
From the Editor....................................................2
Comments on Winter 1996/97 Magazine................................2
The Pocket Watch - George David Birch..............................4
Present Day Chefoo.................................................7
Reunions..........................................................11
ABCIFER...........................................................12
What Happened To The Chefoo Boy’s School..........................13
News of Old Chefusians............................................16
Reminisching A China Childhood (Part 2) - David H Clarke..........27
By Many Waters (Part 2) - Gene (Sinton) John......................33
US Postal Services - Commemorative Stamp..........................38
Bird in the Fowler’s Net (Part 6) - J W G Bruce...................40
Archives..........................................................46
In Memoriam and Obituaries........................................46
page 1...”
|
|
4 |
|
“...Saturday 13 September at Gunnersbury Baptist Church Hall, London.
Dorothy Cox
Note: If you are faxing me please use Graham Newman’s number (44-(0)1394-670316) and NOT the one you used to use. Thank you
STOP PRESS
As this issue closed for press, I received the following fax:
Chefoo School, 529 Aza Hon Cho Nanae Machi, Kameda Gun, Hokkaido 041-11, Japan
Dear Dorothy
Here is the news that I promised I would send you after a decision was made at the Japan Area Council yesterday.
At the Japan Area Council meeting on May 13th, it was decided that Chefoo School in Nanae should be closed from July 1998 and alternative provision would be made for the children. We will be able to tell you more in the next issue of the Chefoo Magazine. This was a very, very painful decision but there was a real sense of the Lord’s guidance. J Spear
page 2...”
|
|
5 |
|
“...comments and not too many critical ones.
It was kind of you to print my ‘Prep School’ effort. I should imagine many autobiographers are horrified yet pleased to see their efforts in cold print. However, I should have explained that this is written for our grand-children, not really for CSA readers and this explains some odd things.
I enjoyed the articles by David Clarke and Jimmy Bruce and I am glad they will continue. Gene Sinton-John
With regard to David Clarke's interesting memoirs of life at Chefoo, a correspondent who wishes to remain anonymous feels he has to protest. Surely anyone educated there should avoid perpetrating the solecism ‘Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves ...’ instead of the correct ‘Rule Britannia, Britannia rule the waves It is true that the subjunctive has effectively disappeared from English grammar, but, if its subtlety has to go, the poem itself must still be understood to mean ‘if Britannia ...’ or ‘so long as Britannianot as an alternation between a bullying...”
|
|
6 |
|
“...sailed from Vancouver, bound for the Orient, on the Canadian Pacific liner Empress of Canada. I thought I could tell the time pretty well. I could tell when it was five o’clock or six-thirty. But still Dad wouldn’t relent. I had not qualified yet to receive a pocket watch like his.
Parting with Mother and my two younger brothers at Yokohama, Dad and I boarded a smaller Japanese vessel for north China, where he enrolled me in January 1938 in the Mission’s boarding school at Chefoo, Shandong.
Just before leaving Chefoo, my father took me to the prep school where, in the office of the headmistress, Miss Carr, he said goodbye to me. Before he left, he told me he had something to give me. Reaching into his pocket, he took out a beautiful, shiny, silver pocket watch just like his. Instead of a silver chain, though, my watch had a sturdy white cord fastened securely to its ring.
I thought that watch was the most beautiful thing I had even seen.
Then my father got up to leave. I had known he was...”
|
|
7 |
|
“...camp.
On that first day of school, Miss Carr told me that children in the prep school were too young to have watches. She would take care of it for me and would return it to me when I left to go to the boys' school at age 10.
Unfortunately, in the turmoil of events following the outbreak of war after Pearl Harbour, my watch was not on anyone’s list of priorities. On Nov. 5, 1942, our entire school population was forced to evacuate the old Chefoo school compound for the concentration camp at Temple Hill.
At the age of 10,1 marched across the town of Chefoo to go into the prison camp with the teachers and the other children, including my younger brother John, who had been sent to the school shortly before Pearl Harbour. A little blue knapsack on my back carried my most treasured possessions: my Bible and a big book of Robinson Crusoe, with a cardboard panorama of Crusoe on his island that stood up when you opened the book.
But the greatest treasure of all, my shiny, silver pocket watch, a gift...”
|
|
8 |
|
“...PRESENT DAY CHEFOO
NANAE - JAPAN
As I write this, in late April, the daffodils are just beginning to come out in a blaze of colour all over the school grounds. The skis and sleds that gave such fun all last term are now stored away and, instead, lively games of soccer and baseball have taken their place. Whilst bicycle riding and tree climbing are as popular as ever, other children are busily searching the grounds for tadpoles, insects and other small creatures for their ‘miniature zoo’.
As we rejoice with the children in the wonderful surroundings the Lord has given us here, our minds often turn these days to the special meetings being held next month to decide the future of Chefoo School, Nanae. More and more families now work in cities where they can commute to an international school, whilst more families, especially Asian ones, are now choosing local Japanese schools. Having seen so many wonderful blessings that God has brought to the children's lives during their lives here, we, and...”
|
|
9 |
|
“...This past month of March has almost been one long break. First we had our Spring Break of over ten days. The two O.M.F. dorms headed off to Puerto Galera beach on Mindoro Island where we’ve gone quite regularly over the years. During this time three O.M.F. teachers from Faith Academy had the opportunity of visiting Chefoo in Malaysia after attending GCSE conferences in Kuala Lumpur. Easter weekend has just passed where most of those in the dorms had a great time on the historical war site of Corregidor Island hiking and camping out for a few days. Many parents of those in the dorms have also been able to have holidays and come here tor a short visit.
There are a few of us leaving after this year, and many more will arrive next year and take our places. Kathi Seed leaves Faith Academy after graduating this coming May. She returns to Thailand for a while before returning to New Zealand, perhaps permanently. Jamie and KathieTrelogan will be returning to Scotland after Jamie has completed his...”
|
|
10 |
|
“...our seniors have been very busy and just today I finally had a chance to sit down with them for a chat.
Matthew Lindhiem and Esther Ryu have represented OMF well in this year’s graduating class. Matthew came to CAJ after attending a Japanese school and Chefoo (Japan). That was six short years ago. He studied one term in South Africa during home assignment and otherwise has been commuting 90 minutes daily from where his parents are church-planting here in Tokyo. His plans are to attend Geneva College in Pennsylvania, USA, to major in Electrical Engineering.
When Esther graduated from Chefoo she attended middle school at Faith Academy in Manila before transferring to CAJ for the last 3 years of high school. Before Esther even arrived at Chefoo, she had already been to school in Germany, England, and one semester in her homeland, Korea. Esther has been accepted at Gordon College in Massachusetts, USA, where she will room with her sister, Hannah. After one year of college the two of them may...”
|
|
11 |
|
“...again. The school year is finishing up with Advanced Placement tests for those who want to earn college credit for college level classes they've taken this year. Esther is studying hard at Biology while Matthew is preparing for tests in Calculus and Biology.
Graduation ceremonies will be held on May 15 in the CAJ auditorium.
Kathi Weemes
REUNIONS
TORONTO CHEFOO REUNION 19 April 1997
Back Row: Steve Austin; Rhona Quelch McCoppen; Ada Tonkin; Bob McMullen; David Grant; Alvyn Austin
2nd Row: Edith Bell Riegeler; Doris Seaman; Bev Fuller; Margaret Lerner-Merryman; Esther Fuller Collier; Irene Rouse; Mona Joyce; Sandy Grant; Marjorie Joyce Palomino; Joan Michel
3rd Row: David Fuller; Rosemary Baker; Pearl Dobson; Muriel Rae; Gertie Grant; Gertrude Gibb Jones
Front Row: George McCoppin; David Michell; Alexandra Lappala; Crysta? ; Ian Grant; Reinhard Riegeler; Brian Crook
page 11...”
|
|
12 |
|
“...NORTH AMERICA
We met for our annual Chefoo Reunion in Toronto on 19 April. Despite rumours of spring, we actually had some snow and it was cold and windy out side. But inside at China House our hearts were warmed, our school memories refreshed and our appetites filled.
Brian Crook gave us some glimpses of his three years in China, then Steve Austin told us a little of his tour to New Zealand and greetings from Chefusians. Then Alvyn Austin was heartily congratulated on his PhD from York University on the interesting topic of ‘The CIM Story in China and North America’.
Ian Grant led us in a kaleidoscope of memories of travel to and from school -Chefoo, Kuling, Malaysia and the Philippines. He followed with a reading from Theroux’s book of his travels across China.
We closed as usual with ‘Lord of all Power and Might.’
Those present:
Ron & Betty Abbot & 2 children; Alvyn Austin; Stephen Austin; Rosemary Baker; Esther Collier; Pearl Dobson; Don Fish; David & Beverley Fuller; Loma Gard; Donald...”
|
|
13 |
|
“...WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CHEFOO BOYS’ SCHOOL? by Norman Cliff
I have wondered lor many years what exactly happened to the Chefoo Boys’ School. The only information one was given was that it had been burned down. But the question inevitably arose - who burned it down and in what circumstances?
Two sources have come into my hands in the past few weeks - a book My Unexpected Odyssey by Colin Tweddell, a former CIM missionary, and then a long and most informative letter from Candida Battistuzzi (married name Erwin) now in the Philippines. And these have thrown considerable light on the subject, particularly Candida’s letter.
Early History
But let me first remind you of the history of the Boys’ School. The Chefoo School had commenced in 1881 with W.L. Elliston teaching the three sons of Charles Judd. By 1895 there were over a hundred students. From 1894 to 1895 there was the first Sino-Japanese War. It is strange that the history of the Boys’ School as a school is ‘sandwiched’ between two Japanese...”
|
|
14 |
|
“...century to the next Japanese War. Jimmy Bruce, in his Birds in the Fowler’s Net, recalls that when in November 1942 the schools and staff were moving from the compound to internment in Temple Hill, they discovered “that we were desperately short of electric light bulbs". He and Robin Hoyte were despatched back to the compound by bike “on a mission to collect some precious light bulbs from the empty buildings”. He tells us that having completed his mission, he climbed to the weathercock of the Boys’ School and “scratched a faint JB on the figurehead before sliding and climbing downwards to join my companion”.
He nostalgically records, “We were the last two Chefusians to see that fine old building with its romantic ivy-covered walls and fifty years of memories of schoolboy traditions and schoolboy pranks.”
Ten months later, we sailed on a small coastal steamer out of the Chefoo harbour and across the bay en route toTsingtao (Qingdao) and ultimately Weihsien. In those brief moments we had a good...”
|
|
15 |
|
“...Their financial resources were very limited, and so the six Italian families in Chefoo shared meals at the Brigola’s house. This style of careful living went on for two years. Then one day in August 1945 they saw a line of Japanese women and children, laden with bundles and packages, walking down the main road towards the harbour. Having been without radios the Italians could only guess that the Japanese had surrendered, and this was soon confirmed from local sources.
The day after VJ Day the 8th Route Army took control of Chefoo, promising the local populace peace and good treatment. But one after another the male adults of the small Italian group were taken off without explanation, and lived under conditions which were both unhygienic and primitive.
Then the men were released and all the group was interned in the Japanese school which had been built shortly before we moved to Tempie Hill, situated over the wall from the Boys’ School playing field. It is at this stage, a few weeks after...”
|
|
16 |
|
“...(1932-40) On retirement 13 years ago Dave and I moved from Melbourne to Canberra. We feel very much at home here and are Elders with our local Uniting Church and work with the Abbeyfield Societ. and with the L’Arche organisation. A highlight of this year was attending the Centenary Gathering of the Australian Christian Movement.
Brother ALAN BOXER (1935-40) who continues to be a bachelor and art collector lives in Canberra as does my sister Margaret who, 11 years younge' I than myself, never went to Chefoo.
DOROTHY (GRATTON) KERTTESZ has visited us from Wales, and we, in I turn hope to be visiting the UK this year with family and friends.
Our address should you visit Canberra is: 20 Gregson Place, CURTIN A.C.T. 2605 Tel: (06) 2811764
DORIS EMBERY Unit 12, Wishart Retirement Village, Alberon St, Wishart, Queensland 4122. Doris has moved into this unit after her sister, WIN EMBERY was called Home on 17 July 1996, after a long illness. In March she visited her sister MURIEL LAPPER, in Vancouver, then...”
|
|
17 |
|
“...mentally very alert. Last year she went to visit THEO KITCHEN in N.W. Australia where he is in general practice and flies out to the mines twice a week. He is taking lessons so that he can pilot his own plane. My husband, Angas has now retired from headmastering and we are enjoying more time with our 3 adult children and grandchild as well as being involved in our local church.
FAITH (HUTTON) LEDGARD received a card from ROSEMARY BAKER recently. We too have recommenced our Class Round Robin (left Chefoo in 1937). It’s good to hear how the other one is faring. I received a letter from the daughter of CATHERINE (WARREN) GRAHAM telling of her mother’s death in January. She had suffered from arthritis but died from cancer.
JENNY (PEDERSEN) LAMOND Jenny has moved to the north of Queensland to be near her son Peter and family. She says ‘The climate suits us much better than the more changeable temperatures of the south. BRUCE MACINTYRE lives close to our good friends in Bundaberg so we manage to keep...”
|
|
18 |
|
“...to miss this year’s reunion but our weekends in August were filled up. I’m believing in a visit to Canada in 1998. Retirement from active medical practice is my hope for later this year and I will be freed up. Next week Dr & Mrs HAROLD ADOLPH (Chefoo 1940) will visit us. They have retired and will live in Wheaton. Best wishes to all.
DAVID MICHELL (1939-45) GRANT HANNA is growing weaker from cancer.
I visit him and Barbara every few days. He knows Chefoo and other friends are praying for him.
‘A Boy’s War’ now has 40,000 printed with 30,000 sold. There are good prospects for a printing in China in the simplified script. The 2 cassette version of the book has had a second run. Just now I’m in Abbotsford,BC with Sam & Lily Lewis. Gareth was at Chefoo Malaysia and Faith Academy and Ryan was at Faith.
MARION (HARRIS) PICKERING (1929-39) Frank and I continue to enjoy our retirement home in Tottenham, about 60 Km north of Toronto. Every time any of our eleven grandchildren visit I’m very thankful...”
|
|
19 |
|
“...our Evergreen responsibilities, it behoves us to exercise some appropriate discretion.
MARY WALKER My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful 3 weeks in Oxford, England last summer (96) with a study group from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary - staying at Regents Park College. It was my great pleasure to have a day’s visit with BETTY CHALKLEY and her daughter Jill during that time. Though there had been a 56 year interval since we last saw each other it was easy to pick up again memories of Chefoo days. I’m looking forward to the proposed trip of a group from many areas of evangelical interest in serving some of the needs in mainland China. It will be a 3 week survey over China and perhaps Mongolia in September.
GREAT BRITAIN
ARNOLD JOHN CLARKE (1927-37) Continuing in missionary work in Thailand and very happy doing so, although officially retired. I hope to visit UK May to mid July 1997.
page 19...”
|
|
20 |
|
“...a degree at the London Bible College. We are presently looking at several situations where Graham may work as a minister in September of this year (1997).
PAULINE DUNN (Malaysia 1977-89) Aug/Sept 1996 - I spent four weeks in Malaysia and Singapore. It was wonderful being able to return to Chefoo and then to catch up with many local friends. In true style I was well fed! This time two UK friends joined me and we met up with people whom they had met when visiting me at Chefoo. 1996 also saw a visit from HEATHER CALDER - New Zealand. We had a great time catching up and enabling Heather to experience the British ‘Marble Hill’ summer concert! (This is held outside.)
I am now on the Chefoo Schools Association Committee and would love to see you younger people attend the annual reunion. Do put it in your diary for 13 September 1997.
Work, church and covenanters remain the same, as well as singing with the All Souls’ Choir and cycling for charity.
ANDREW FEWSTER (Malaysia 1976-82) Having worked...”
|
|