Chinatown in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Chinese Baptist Church
華人浸信會
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, June 12, 2021
1. First Chinese Baptist Church Marker
This church was organized on October 3, 1880. The congregation first met in rented quarters on Washington Street across from Portsmouth Square, and moved to the present location in 1888. The first church building on this site was destroyed in the Earthquake of 1906. The present structure was built in 1908. Through the years, the Church has served the community by providing language classes; conducting various programs for children, youth, and adults; and bringing the good news that Jesus Christ can bring wholeness and healing to human life.
This plaque was installed by the Congregation in 1980, the centennial year, to record our gratitude to God for his many blessings, and to express our confident expectation that He will lead and use us in the "New Century in Christ"
{The right side of the marker has the text in Chinese (not transcribed)}
Erected 1980 by The Congregation of the First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1838.
Location. 37° 47.608′ N, 122° 24.403′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Willie "Woo Woo" Wong (within shouting distance of this marker); Hang Ah / 香雅 (within shouting distance of this marker); Far East Café (within shouting distance of this marker); Hang Ah Alley / 香亞巷 (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Old St. Mary’s (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Birthplace of a Great City (about 400 feet away); Site of San Francisco’s First Book Store (about 500 feet away); Watershed History (North Shore) (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 29, 2012
2. First Chinese Baptist Church Marker - wide view
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 29, 2012
3. First Chinese Baptist Church Marker - inset detail
In the upper portion of the marker is an image of the church prior to its destruction in the Earthquake of 1906.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 29, 2012
4. Plaque above the door on the Sacramento Street side of the Church
Chinese Baptist Church: Property of the American Home Mission Society of New York. Erected 1886. Destroyed by fire 1906. Rebuilt 1908.
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, January 29, 2012
5. First Chinese Baptist Church - view from southeast
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,020 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 16, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 22, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
