Language School   | Dr. Chu Chew Shong |  History of the Language School  | Forms

Dr. Chu Chew Shong came to the City of San Francisco from Canton, China in 1913 and almost immediately opened a small herbalist shop on Clay Street. Shortly thereafter, he become acquainted with Father Charles Bradley, C.S.P., the first permanent director of St. Mary's Chinese School and Mission since 1910. Soon, this association grew into one of deep affection and enduring friendship and through Dr. Chu's guidance and wise counsel, Father Bradley was able to become better known and acceptable throughout the Chinese Community. On June 25, 1915, Dr. Chu was baptized into the Catholic Church at Old St. Mary's on Grant and California Streets. In 1921, he originated and organized the Chinese Language School at St. Mary's and remained its principal until his death on June 8, 1956. All through these years, Dr. Chu continued to be the special counselor to every Director who has been stationed at St. Mary's, and at the same time, served with distinction in many other endeavors within the Chinese Community. He was President of the Chinese Six Companies; President of the Four Families; President of the Kong Chow Association; an official member appointed by the Chinese Government to the Overseas Chinese Commission of San Francisco. In June 1950, he received an Honorary Doctor of Laws and Literature Degree from the Jesuit Fathers of the University of San Francisco. Dr. Chu was a man gifted with distinguished talents and exceptional abilities. The Paulist Fathers, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the thousands of students whom he guided so faithfully and tenderly will never forget this man of devotion and dedication.