Chinese Christian Fellowship Church

In 1962, a seed was planted. That seed was the beginning of the Chinese Christian Fellowship Church here in Wilmette. It all started with Rev. Russell Glazier, a retired missionary from the China Inland Mission. He began ministering to students in Chicago at the invitation of Rev. Calvin Chao. The Chinese Christian Fellowship Church’s journey began in a humble three-story apartment, purchased in 1966 as a student center. By 1971, Sunday services were being held at the Wesley retirement home with Rev. Glazier leading the flock. As the congregation grew, so did the need for support. Miss Deborah Wu arrived from Hong Kong to establish a bible study class, and soon, over a hundred attendees filled the services at North Park College. The Chinese Christian Fellowship Church continued to evolve. Rev. Yuan from Brazil took the helm in 1973, followed by Rev. Andrew Hsieh. A house was acquired, serving as both office and a smaller service space. An outreach in Rolling Meadows eventually blossomed into its own independent church. The late 1970s saw services move to Emmanuel Covenant Church. Various individuals, including Rev. Raymond Frame, Rev. Lin, Miss Ho, and Trinity Seminary students, filled the pulpit. In 1980, Rev. Moses Keng arrived from the Philippines to guide the Chinese Christian Fellowship Church. The church embraced missions, annual pledges, and supporting ministries abroad. Growth led them to Morton Grove Community Church in 1984. Bible studies thrived, a youth group formed, and the harmonious voices of the choir (HCP) filled the air. Then, a landmark moment. Land was purchased here in Wilmette in 1985. Construction began two years later, culminating in the completion of the very building you stand before today. The Chinese Christian Fellowship Church found its permanent home. The name was officially adopted, marking a new chapter. An English service began in 1990, catering to the younger generation. Leaders like Ming Han, Rev. Mitchel Herring, Daniel Tai, and later Alex Cobb nurtured the English congregation. Evangelism Explosion training further empowered the church in 1998. Changes continued with the passing of Miss Deborah Wu in 1999 and the arrival of Mrs. Chris Suen. The church ordained Brother Lin, an intern, in 2000, the same year they partnered with Northwestern University Bible Study Fellowship. After two decades of dedicated service, Rev. Moses Keng retired in December 2000, passing the torch to Rev. Lin as senior pastor. Adam Co joined as the English Minister in 2004. The Chinese Christian Fellowship Church, born from a small student ministry, has blossomed into a vibrant community here in Wilmette.