Joseph Lui facts for kids

Joseph Lui was a very important person in the history of the Torres Strait Islanders. He was one of the first two Torres Strait Islander men to become a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia. This happened in 1925, which was a big step for his community.

Joseph Lui's Early Life

Joseph Lui's father, Lui Lifu (also known as Getano Lui), came from Lifou Island in the Loyalty Islands. He moved to the Torres Strait and married a woman from Murray Island. Joseph's father was a teacher for the London Missionary Society, which was a group that spread Christianity. Sometimes, he was called a pastor.

Before Joseph became a priest, he worked on a mission boat called the Torres Herald I. He was the helmsman, which means he steered the boat. He was also an interpreter for the mission. This was because he understood all the different languages spoken in the Torres Strait Islands.

Becoming a Priest

Joseph Lui studied to become a priest at St Paul's Theological College, Moa. This is a special school where people learn about religion and how to be a priest.

In 1919, he became a deacon. A deacon is the first step in becoming a priest in the Anglican Church. He was ordained by Bishop Henry Newton, who was the leader of the church in that area.

Then, in 1925, Joseph Lui became a priest. He was ordained by Bishop Stephen Davies, who took over from Bishop Newton. Joseph was ordained at the same time as another man named Poey Passi. They were the very first two Torres Strait Islander men to become priests in the Anglican Church of Australia.

In 1926, people noticed that Joseph and Poey did not wear the usual white collar that priests wear. Instead, they wore traditional clothes made of calico and a singlet.

It's also interesting to know that the first Aboriginal man to become a deacon was James Noble in 1925. But it wasn't until 1970 that an Aboriginal man, Patrick Brisbane, became a priest.

Joseph Lui's Work

From 1919 to 1931, Joseph Lui worked as a curate in Dauan and Saibai. A curate is a priest who helps in a church. During this time, he also worked for a while at the Mitchell River Mission from 1925 to 1926. He was also in charge of the church on Darnley and Stephens Island in 1926.

From 1931, he became the main priest in charge of the church on Murray Island.

His Final Years

Joseph Lui passed away on May 17, 1941, on Thursday Island. He was buried in a special part of St Paul's Church on Moa Island called the Lady Chapel.