2010 is the 130th Anniversary of the First Chinese Baptist Church. This is the 2nd article building on the historical work completed for the 125th Anniversary in 2005. Our hope is that from knowing our history, we would be better informed to make faithful decisions for ministry today.
The First Church
The Chinese Missions that stretches to the entire western states now under the able leadership of Dr. Jesse Hartwell finally received official approval to begin securing a permanent building to carry out its work in San Francisco. In 1886, the Executive Board of the American Baptist Home Mission Society took the following action:
Whereas, The Society’s Mission among the Chinese in San Francisco is conducted at great disadvantage, because of the lack of suitable Mission Buildings,
Resolved, That an immediate effort be made to secure not less than $15,000, for the purchase of property and the erection of buildings thereon, and that Rev. J. B. Hartwell, D. D., be authorized to solicit contribution for this purpose.
Resolved, That the property thus secured be owned and controlled by “The American Baptist Home Mission Society,” and in case at any future period it shall not be needed for this specific purpose, the Society shall have the right to dispose of it, and devote the proceeds to other Missionary purposes, as may be determined upon the Executive Board, preference to be given to other benighted peoples, as the Indians or Mexicans on this Continent.
While Dr. Hartwell served as Superintendent for all Chinese work, the mission to the Chinese in San Francisco was not only carried out by him but also his daughter, Nellie, Janie Sandford and Miss Electa J. Boothe.
Fundraising for the new headquarters began earnestly with Mrs. Sandford giving $200 left by her deceased husband, Dr. Hartwell giving $200 and Nellie, $20. Dr. Hartwell expected the white Baptists of San Francisco to give not less than $1000. The Chinese and teachers have given $977.50 of which $300 came from about twenty boys at their prayer meeting. Funds came from other states including Pennsylvania, southern states, the former residence of Dr. Harwell and Mrs. Sandford, and “$4000 subscription from Mr. Rockefeller.” By 1887, records say, “It is done! The $15,000 asked for our Chinese Mission headquarters in San Francisco is secured in good pledges, several thousand dollars already having been paid.”
On the site of formerly “houses of white prostitution,” the new headquarter started construction. On a day in 1888 when Dr. Hartwell was inspecting the work,
a Chinaman not knowing him or the object for which the building was being erected, asked him if it was for rent, and in answer to an inquiry for what purpose, replied that he wanted if for a “joss house.”
On August 19, 1888, the new mission home was dedicated and reported by the San Francisco papers. One paper identified who attended,
Inside the church there was a novel scene. Chinese of all ages and conditions were there. Ladies from Van Ness avenue and Pacific heights, patronesses of the mission, had prominent seats; ministers representing the different denominations in the city sat on the platform.
There were a number of Chinese women in the church. Little Chinese, with red tippets, red hoods, blue blouses, and wide green trousers attracted quite as much attention because of their costumes as they did on account of their silent owl-like behavior. Middle-aged and old Mongolians were present in numbers, and took great interest in the services, which were of unusual length. Two boys acted as ushers and distributed programmes.
Another paper described the new building,
The little building is of plain brick, with an auditorium 40×40 feet in dimensions, lighted by six stained glass windows. Behind the pulpit platform is a spacious baptistery, shrouded in crimson curtains and filled to the depth of four feet, in which the converts are immersed. In the rear of this tank are two dressing rooms one for men and one for women. Beside this main apartment, there are two lodging rooms, a kitchen and a 25×40 schoolroom. The entire cost of lot and building comes close upon $20,000.
The lodging rooms and kitchen are for Chinese missionaries and brethren on their way to and from China, so that they will not have to lodge in “heathen hotels.”
A third paper reported an interview with Dr. Hartwell,
There are now thirty-one members in the church, six Americans and twenty-five Chinese. Most of these Chinese are tradesmen, such as cigar-makers, bootmakers, carpenters, etc., and are all industrious. Two of the Chinese are women. We have in connection with the Mission two schools—a night and a day school.
The first building on Waverly and Sacramento served the Chinese Missions for only 18 years. In 1906, the earthquake and fire completely destroyed and burned down the building. From this historical account, we learned our early founders had wider responsibilities for missions to the Chinese that went beyond our city. Our first building was actually the “headquarters” for all Chinese missions in the western states on behalf of the home mission society. With such a proud heritage, our church today is often called to serve and provide leadership that extends beyond our local church.
Securing adequate funds for missions is a reality today as it was in the past. Notice that if the Chinese Missions did not succeed, the home mission society could have used the proceeds from the sale of the building to support “Indians or Mexicans on this Continent.” The initial funds for our first building came not only from the Chinese in 1887 but from wealthy American Baptists like Mr. Rockefeller in New York City!
Baptist work among the Chinese began as early as 1869. While our church today is the second building constructed on this site and have gone through a number of renovation projects to more effectively reach out to Chinese, there are still “joss houses” across the street. Our mission work continues no longer with the leadership of missionaries commissioned by the home mission society but by descendants of the first Chinese who became Baptists to whom we are deeply indebted.
Next month’s article will examine how our forebearers responded to the anti-Chinese movements of the late 1800s.
Historical materials were drawn from reports and minutes of the Executive Board of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society.
Pastor Don Ng
130th Church Anniversary
On Sunday, October 10, 2010 (10-10-10), you are invited to celebrate our 130th anniversary! All 3 Sunday morning worship services will focus on the theme, “Unshaken Worship.” There will be historical exhibits and a hospitality center for you to meet old friends and to make new ones. Our anniversary luncheon will be at the Empress of China Restaurant for $20 per person; Seniors, youth and children (6-12) for $10; Children (5 and under) for free. If you would like to make a donation to help defray the cost of the luncheon for seniors and youth, please make a check out to FCBC and mark it for “130th Anniversary.” Mark your calendars to come to the anniversary! Invitations will be sent out this summer. Our Anniversary Committee is Byron Chan, chair, Gayle Chan, Anna Quan Wong, Jennifer Erickson, Rodney Tom, and Sarah Wong.
Senior Adult Retreat flyer
(James Chuck will send on Monday.)
Family News
Pastor Don Ng will be leading 34 pilgrims to the Holy Land in May with visits in Israel to Nazareth, Galilee, Capernaum, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and to Jordan. They will also have opportunities to meet with local Palestinian Christians to discuss the conditions in the Middle East and for fellowship.
May
2 9—C
10—Ashang Lolly
11—
Missions Committee, 1:00
CE, 1:30
5 Mom’s Group
9 Mother’s Day
9—James Chuck
10—James Chuck
11—
12 Senior Center
16 9—C
10—C
11—
Deacons, 1:30
18 Church Staff, 10:00
20 Search Committee, 6:00
21 Lanna Coffee, 7:30
22 ABSW Commencement, 2:00
Xplorers & Sojourners
23 9—D
10—D
11—
Music Committee, 2:30
30 9—D
10—D
11—
31 Holiday—Office closed