San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Chinese Mission Building, 1927

Photographed By Maja Tajima, February 23, 2012

1. Chinese Mission Building, 1927 Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This California Mission Revival-style building was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of Irving Gill. The facade of the one-story chapel features a sloping red-tile roof over a central bell tower. The Chinese Mission, located in the building until 1960, served as a social center where Chinese immigrants learned English and received religious instruction. The building was relocated to this site in 1995 from First Avenue between "G" and Market.

Erected by Gaslamp Quarter. (Marker Number 86.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Asian Americans. In addition, it is included in the San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.

Location. 32° 42.572′ N, 117° 9.736′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. Marker is at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and J Street, on the right when traveling south on 3rd Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 3rd Avenue, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quong Building, 1913 (here, next to this marker); Stone Lion

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(a few steps from this marker); Cotheret Building, 1903 (within shouting distance of this marker); Frey Block, 1911 (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Stone Lion (within shouting distance of this marker); First Emperor (within shouting distance of this marker); Horton Grand - Kahle Saddlery – 1886 (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Quin Building, 1930 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Regarding Chinese Mission Building, 1927. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
Starting in 1885, the first Chinese Mission School served as a social and religious center for Chinese immigrants. The Mission moved several times until 1927. The Mission Revival style building (designed by Louis J. Gill, nephew of famed architect Irving Gill) was dedicated on land donated by George Marston. In the late 1980's the Chinese Historical Society and community pressure, lead by Tom and Dorothy Hom, saved the building; it was moved to Third Avenue and stored on blocks.
Source: Asian Pacific Historic District
Photographed By Dean Whittle, February 23, 2012

2. Chinese Mission Building and Marker
Marker is visible to the right of the entrance door.
of San Diego Walking Tour - Stop #1

Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 20, 2022

3. Chinese Mission Building, 1927 Marker

Photographed By Adam Margolis, July 20, 2022

4. Chinese Mission Building, 1927 Marker

Chinese Mission Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dean Whittle, February 23, 2012

5. Chinese Mission Building

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Gate image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Maja Tajima, February 23, 2012

6. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Gate

This memorial gate is located between the Chinese Mission Building on the left and the Quong Building on the right. There is an Asian garden behind the gate.

Asian Garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Maja Tajima, February 23, 2012

7. Asian Garden

This is the Asian garden behind the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Gate.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 793 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. 2. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 3, 4. submitted on August 14, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Dean Whittle of San Diego, California. 6, 7. submitted on February 24, 2012, by Maja Tajima of San Diego, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.