A year-long commemoration has begun at the church of St John the Baptist in Cottered to mark the centenary of the death of Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925), the first President of the Republic of China and one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.
Though revered across the world — known in the Republic of China (ROC) as the Father of the Nation and in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the Forerunner of the Revolution — few realise that Sun Yat-sen was a committed Christian, shaped by the Anglican tradition, and had close personal links with the Hertfordshire village of Cottered.
The church display tells the extraordinary story of Dr James Cantlie, who taught Sun Yat-sen medicine in Hong Kong and later helped save his life during a dramatic kidnapping in London in 1896. Held in secret at the Chinese Legation and facing likely execution, Sun later wrote that it was prayer which gave him strength:
“But for the comfort afforded me by prayer I believe I should have gone mad.”
It was Cantlie who launched the campaign that led to Sun’s release, and their friendship shaped the future of China. Sun Yat-sen frequently visited the Cantlie family home in Cottered, worshipped in the village church, and found peace and welcome there. Today, the graves of Cantlie and his family lie just outside the church door, and are visited by Chinese pilgrims from around the world.
Inside the church, three beautifully produced storyboard banners and a small display featuring the 1953 children’s book The Man Who Changed China introduce visitors to the legacy of both Sun Yat-sen and James Cantlie. A memorial to Cantlie, donated by the Chinese, highlights his enduring international recognition, not just as Sun Yat-sen’s ally but also as the ‘Father of First Aid’, whose work laid the foundations for modern St John Ambulance training.
A place of pilgrimage
St John the Baptist’s Church in Cottered is open for visitors and pilgrims throughout the year. As the centenary of Sun Yat-sen’s death is commemorated in 2025, the church hopes to welcome people from near and far who are inspired by this unique and surprising story.
To plan a visit or find out more, go to:
Sun Yat-sen Centenary – News – St John the Baptist, Cottered – A Church Near You
