THE ‘Two Centuries of Chinese Heritage Project’ at UWA takes a biographical approach by weaving snippets from historical sources to uncover stories about Chinese people who came to Western Australia.
This series of articles profiles many surprising stories being discovered and recorded as part of this history project.
This issue we feature:
Paul Soong Quong: A Bridge Between Cultures in Early 20th Century Western Australia
by Yu Tao
At the turn of the 20th century, Paul Soong Quong was a Methodist minister and community leader. For 25 years in Western Australia he was an advocate and unifier for the local Chinese community and left a lasting legacy of cultural integration and social progress.
Born in China around 1866, Soong Quong’s early life is unknown, but in 1891, he was in Victoria, where he served as a catechist for the Wesleyan Methodist Church and was commended for “working industriously” to expand Sunday schools and night classes.
In 1896, he relocated to Perth to lead a newly established Chinese mission under the Wesley Church. At that time, Chinese migrants were often viewed with suspicion. Soong Quong’s mission provided not only spiritual guidance but also a sense of community. By 1899, his congregation had grown to 60 regular attendees, and he raised £150 for a mission hall.
Soong Quong brought traditional Chinese music into church services, performing on Chinese instruments at events not only in Perth but also in regional towns. Hymns, sung in both English and Chinese, showcased his determination to bridge cultural divides and create a shared space for worship and community.
In 1898, he travelled back to China, where he married Rose Lo Chan Ying, a fellow Christian. The couple returned to Perth in 1899, receiving a warm welcome from the community. In 1900, they celebrated the birth of their son, Samuel.
Soong Quong’s influence extended far beyond the church. In 1900, he welcomed the renowned Chinese reformist Liang Qichao to Perth. The following year, he petitioned Prime Minister Edmund Barton, opposing the discriminatory implications of the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901. In 1905, he organised a petition supporting the Australia-wide Opium Suppression Movement.
He was pivotal in establishing the Chung Wah Association. As the inaugural secretary, he oversaw laying of the foundation stone for Chung Wah Hall in 1910. By 1915, he had become president, working to enhance the Association’s advocacy efforts for Chinese Western Australians.
In addition to his public responsibilities, Soong Quong and his wife operated a fruit shop from their home at 52 Stirling Street, Perth.
In July 1920, he and his wife retired to China.
Paul Soong Quong’s legacy is a reminder of early Chinese immigrants’ contributions to the state’s history. His dedication as a missionary, community leader, and advocate for justice exemplifiies the enduring impact of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to community.
Interested readers are encouraged to explore the UWA research database and other aspects of the project at: www.chinesewa.net.
As research material is being added constantly, the project team would love to hear from anyone with information about early Chinese migrants.
