The church was organized on October 3, 1880 under the leadership of Dr. J.B. Hartwell. It first met in rented quarters on Washington Street across from Portsmouth Square. The first building on this site was built in 1888, and was destroyed in the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire in 1906. The present structure with two floors and a balcony was erected in 1908 with funds donated by Baptist churches from across the country. In 1930, the top floor was added and the rest of the building received extensive renovation. In preparation for the church’s centennial year in 1980, the church sanctuary underwent a major renovation design that you can still see today.
You are invited to tour our historic building by visiting the different places identified in this tour guide.
Outside
1. Cornerstone Marker
On Sacramento Street, the stone marker tells the story of how the American Baptist Home Mission Society with the help of Baptist churches around the country rebuilt the “Chinese Baptist Mission” in 1908 after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fire.
2. Clinker Bricks
Our church is one of probably a half dozen buildings in San Francisco built with “clinker bricks.” Salvaged from the 1906 earthquake and fire, these unique bricks have glassy surfaces created by intense heat. They serve as a constant reminder that out of destruction, God’s people have renewed hope and new life.
3. Centennial Plaque
In 1980, this bronze historical plaque on Waverly Place bears ongoing witness to those who walk by the church of the members’ deep convictions in Christ to serve our community.
4. Raindrop Washers
To secure the through-bolts that seismically retrofitted our brick building, decorative washers are placed outside. If you look closely, you will see that the washers feature a “raindrop.” We are reminded how water is a symbol of washing away all of our sins in baptism, how rain makes all things grow, and how God’s teaching is like rain. See our new “raindrops” encircling our church home with God’s teaching! “May my teaching drop like rain.” (Deut. 32:2)
First Floor
5. Chinese Couplet
Every year during Chinese New Year, people write words of blessings that adorn the entrances of homes, businesses, and organizations. As you enter the church’s vestibule, the Chinese Couplet reads, “Glory to God; goodwill among people. Praise the Lord for His bountiful blessings.”
The future use for this space will feature a refurbished Head of Christ stained glass medallion that was the center of the original windows installed when the present building was erected in 1908.
6. Sanctuary Lights
High above the sanctuary are lights that form two intertwining interposed symbols. The main cross is representative of the central place of Jesus Christ in the Christian community. The other four crosses represent the four Gospels. The interplay of light and structure reminds us of our spiritual dependence and interaction with the spirit of Jesus Christ.
7. Waverly Place Windows
Originally installed in 1908, the central motif of the center window consists of a round eight-petal design. In the center is Christ the Good Shepherd. “who is willing to die for the sheep” (John 10:11). The stained glass of varied colors and textures are designed to catch light in such a way as to give a jewel-like radiance. The overall floral design suggests resurrection, and the continuing presence of Christ among his people.
8. The Front Windows (Text taken from a brochure written by Dr. James Chuck, 1980)
Commissioned and installed in 1979 as a part of the Centennial renovation, these windows are reminiscent of Chinese landscape paintings. In the Old Testament, rock is a symbol for the steadfast and unfailing protection of God for his people. Water is a symbol of life, cleansing, and repentance. Christ is often envisioned as a fountain or spiritual rock from which springs the living water of the Gospel to nourish the souls of those who drink from it. The inscription on the left window reads, “Come…accept the water of life” (Rev. 22:17).
The fish, the oldest Christian symbol for Christ, was used by the early Christians as a secret sign by which they identified themselves to each other under conditions of persecution by Roman authorities. In Chinese tradition, the carp struggling upstream signifies courage and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
According to legend, swallows hibernate in the mud of the riverbed during the winter, emerging with the coming spring and fine weather. Thus, they came to symbolize the hope of regeneration, rebirth, and resurrection. Also, as swallows descend from the heavens, their form resembles an anchor, an early Christian symbol for the cross, salvation, and hope (Hebrews 6:19).
Flowers represent beauty through the circle of life from bud through bloom till death. Together with the birds of the air, they remind us of God’s unfailing and constant care for all of God’s creation (Matthew 6:25-30).
The right window is reminiscent of Psalm 1, where the pious and righteous persons are likened to “trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up.” In the same way, the life of the Christian is nourished and refresh by his contact with one’s Lord.
9. Unity Quilt
See description of this beautiful work of love by the many fellowship groups and persons in our church to commemorate the rededication of our church home for mission.
10. Sanctuary Organ
Installed just this past week, the new Renaissance R-230 Digital Organ by Allen Organs from Allentown, Pennsylvania with new computer technology provides an amazing range of acoustical possibilities for both traditional and contemporary worship. The addition of the new organ along with guitars, drums, piano, and hand bells symbolize our church’s commitment toward inspiring worship for all ages.
Third Floor
11. Chinese Baptist Language School Sign
This old sign once hung over the 15 Waverly Place entrance door to welcome everyone to come and learn English, Chinese, citizenship, and the Bible. The original mission of our church was to have a school for our community.
12. Mrs. J.S. Chu Christian Education Award Plaque
In recognition of Mrs. J.S. Chu’s 68 years of continuous teaching the Juniors Department, a Christian Education Award was established by the Board of Christian Education to be given to teachers who demonstrate faithfulness and excellence in teaching. Mrs. Chu happens to be the oldest living member of the church today at 98. The recipient of the Mrs. J.S. Chu Award in 2000 is Betty Jin.
13. Old Pew
Before the new oak pews with the padded seats were installed after the retrofit, our sanctuary had solid oak wood pews. These were originally built in 1930? This pew, refinished and donated by long-time church members, serves to welcome all visitors and members to sit awhile in God’s house.
14. Brickwork
In all the new offices as well as in the Library/Reading Room, the exposed bricks reveal the antiquity of our building. Of special significance are the bricks that are exposed in Pastor Chris Otani’s office and the Library/Reading Room. You can see where the
roof line of the 1908 building was only three floors before the top floor was added in 1930.
15. Library/Reading Room
The original “Reading Room” was located on the ground floor for mainly community men to have a place to read the daily newspapers, Christian tracts, and a place for fellowship from their cramped living quarters. Keeping the name, “Reading Room” reminds us of the historical use of our church as a mission in Chinatown.
Fourth Floor
16. 110 Anniversary Plaque
As God continues to bless the First Chinese Baptist Church throughout the years, we take time to commemorate and celebrate God’s mighty deeds in the world. The new church kitchen and large Fellowship Hall will serve to bring brothers and sisters together for Christian fellowship and evangelization. We look forward to having your presence at our 125 Anniversary celebration in 2005!
We hope that this brief tour of our Church Home has excited you on how the original total cost of this church building in 1908 was $21,000 (Lot–$10,000, Building–$9600; Equipment–$1400) continues to be a beacon of Jesus Christ on the corner of Waverly Place and Sacramento Street.
May all who hear the Good News in Jesus Christ come to believe!