Another newcomer to Langley in 1874 was Richard Henry Holding, his wife the former Isabella Guest, and their four children. Holding had been born and married in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. Shortly after the marriage the couple were willed two hotels. His wife encouraged him to sell them and with the money go to Australia. They left Lancashire, England, with two children, aboard a sailing vessel in 1859. Their youngest child died enroute and was given a sea burial. After teaching in Oakland, near Sydney, for thirteen years, the Holding family again decided to move. This time their destination was British Columbia.
Holding began teaching school shortly after his arrival in the little red school house at Fort Langley. On Sundays, Holding would act as lay minister.
