The Chapel of Kung-Tung: An Education Legend in the Coastal Range of Taiwan

Swiss priest Fr. Hilber devoted his life to Taitung, focusing on improving the lives of indigenous peoples. When he was diagnosed with cancer in his later years, he decided to return to Taitung and die in Taiwan. The Paiwan people honored him by giving him a tribal chief burial. Fr. Hilber was strict and meticulous yet genuine and passionate. Representing the priest of the Catholic Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB) from Switzerland, he truly believed that only education can improve children’s future. He had wanted to teach children Swiss watch-making, but Taiwan’s climate made it impractical. Later, he dug deeper to understand the culture of the Paiwan people, and when he noticed the supreme quality of the local wood, he decided to raise funds to recruit the best carpenters from Europe. He introduced the apprenticeship system to the children and established a systematic working process that is recognized internationally. They made exquisite furniture that is famous around the world. These unique “Children of Kung Tung” were sheltered by Fr. Hilber for generations. The Brutalist Church of Kung-Tung is a testament to this hero’s legend, a legacy that shall never fade away.