In the 1960s, Britain had about thirty to forty thousand Chinese residents, with more than a third of whom lived and worked in the London area. Many came from Hong Kong, often working in the catering business, and did not understand English, thus leaving them socially disadvantaged and vulnerable to exploitation.

 

In 1964, Bishop R O Hall sent Revd S Y Lee to London to lead the Chinese Congregation at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

 

In 1977, Revd S Y Lee and the Chinese Congregation began raising funds with the intention of setting up a Chinese social centre.

 

In 1984, a charity named ‘Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association’ in honour of Bishop R O Hall was founded.

 

In 1987, the Chinese Centre was opened in the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields aiming to address the social needs of the Chinese community in London.

 

In 2011, the Association was renamed ‘Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association and Community Centre’ to reflect that its services are open to all communities.