A Tribute to Rev. Dr. Sing-Yui King (1919-2018)

The Rev. Dr. Sing-Yui King, founding board member of China Graduate School of Theology, Hong Kong, went to be with our Lord on February 21, 2018, at 10:15 a m Vancouver local time, bringing to a close his 98 years of sojourn here on earth.

Dr. King was born in Shanghai, China, on September 25, 1919. He graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1940, won a Federation of British Industries scholarship in 1943, and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by the University of London in 1947. Upon his return, he rejoined the University of Hong Kong as Lecturer, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer, Reader, and Chair Professor. Dr. King also served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, and Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University before his retirement in 1980. He was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa by the University of Hong Kong in 1981.

Together with a group of Christians, Dr. King helped to establish the Evangelical School Development Incorporation in 1964. In September 1973, Dr. King headed the list of seven subscribing directors for the incorporation of China Graduate School of Theology, and was elected Chairman of the Central Board from 1974 to 1983, laying a solid foundation for the School in its first decade. Dr. King was ordained to be a minister in 1982 by the Hong Kong Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. After emigrating to Canada, he served as a pastor of the Vancouver Chinese Alliance Church, sat on the board of Regent College, and became the Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Christian Mission Canada.

During his years in Vancouver, Pastor King also led the formation of the Canadian Association of China Graduate School of Theology as its first Chairman from 1987 to 89. In August 2013, Pastor King pledged a special donation from his personal savings to initiate a Development Fund for the CGST President’s Office, supporting specific ministries as designated by the School. For almost fifty years now, CGST has always been in his heart and mind, and he never ceased praying for us. Today the CGST family of students, faculty, and staff bid farewell to our beloved and respected Pastor King, in profound affection and gratitude for his unique contribution to theological education among the Chinese churches. With Pastor King’s consent, the Canadian Association of China Graduate School of Theology will endeavor to raise fund to set up an endowed professorial chair in memory of Rev. Dr. S. Y. King for his good and faithful devotion as a humble servant of God.