Going to church is always a pleasant thing to do for me because I like to be in God’s house and dwell in His presence. His presence is just like a heaven to me. Whenever I have problems, a visit to church will always refresh me. So, if you are facing life difficulties and looking for a place that can take your burdens away, do not go anywhere but church. There you will experience God’s love and help. As I was waiting for the Big Bus to come and pick me up to go to the next destination, my mom and I visited St. John’s Cathedral that beautifully stands just across the Peak Tram station. Built in the style of Victorian Gothic, the cathedral is the oldest Anglican and the first Christian church in Hong Kong city. Dwarfed by the towering skyscrapers including the Bank of China Tower, the HSBC Building, the Legislative Council Building and the Central Government Offices, the church was constructed by the Governor, Sir John Davis on 11 March 1847 and finished in 1849 under the first Bishop of Victoria, Bishop George Smith. It underwent extension in 1873 and during the Japanese era, it was used as a club house for Japanese community that has caused severe damage on the building. It was then fully repaired and declared a historical building in 1996.
The front face of the cathedral. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary house. 
I was standing in front of the cathedral
Resembling the cross if seen from above, the church plays a pivotal role in the society as it often participates in various social service programs. It is 272 feet long and 132 feet wide with 38 columns.
As I stepped inside the building, there were many Filipina ladies rushing to the church. I thought they were going to attend the church service. In fact, almost half of the congregation is made up of Filipina maids who like to gather at the Central Hong Kong on Sundays, while the remaining consists of rich expats like British, Australians, Americans and Anglophile Chinese. It is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm for prayer and meditation. The services are available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tagalog.
The church has plain architectural style with surprisingly wide interior that has no air-conditioning but only ceiling-hung electric fans. When I visited the church, there was a funeral ceremony attended by British people, so I did not dare to come inside. That is why I just took a picture from the other side of the church, not from the main gate. I saw a British priest walking out from his room to greet the congregation and start the ceremony.
The tranquility of the St. John’s Cathedral can help you express your feelings to God without any disturbance. You can focus on your prayer to God and communicate with Him. Out of the stillness, if you pray earnestly, God will surely speak to you with a gentle voice and He will answer your prayer with ways you never imagine. So, never stop praying and believing. Whatever problems you have, rejoice always because the Lord has granted you victory. Jesus Christ loves you all…
Sources:
Personal experience and additional information from other online articles
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