Christian Hexin Church

Nestled on Hengshan Road, the Christian Hexin Church, also known as the Community Church, has witnessed nearly a century of Shanghai’s history. It stands as a testament to the intertwining of faith and community in this vibrant city. The church’s story begins not here, but at the opulent Palace Hotel in 1917. There, the American Song Service first gathered, a seed that would blossom into the church we see today. By 1920, the congregation had outgrown the hotel and relocated to a rented space on Donghu Lu. Yet even this larger venue proved too small for the growing community. Thus began the dream of a permanent home. In 1923, a plot of land on Hengshan Road was purchased from the Shanghai American School. This area was rapidly transforming from rural farmland to a bustling American enclave. The purchase marked a pivotal moment for the church’s future. Designed in a modern Gothic style by the Mission Architects Bureau, the Christian Hexin Church opened its doors on March 7, 1925. The $70,000 structure became a landmark for the American community in Shanghai, often referred to as the American Community Church or simply the American Church. Its Chinese name, Xiehe Libaitang (Union Church), reflects its inclusive spirit. The church has shared a close relationship with the Shanghai American School throughout its history. Boarders were required to attend Sunday services, and many day students and families also participated in the church’s life. During times of upheaval, when the school was forced to close, the church even sheltered a “bootleg SAS,” allowing students to continue their education uninterrupted. Like many religious institutions in Shanghai, the Christian Hexin Church faced difficult times during the Cultural Revolution. From 1966 to 1976, it ceased religious operations and was used as a warehouse and rehearsal space for revolutionary operas. However, the church’s spirit persevered. It reopened in 1981, adopting the name International Community Church, a name it had acquired during the Japanese Occupation. The church once again became a place of worship and a symbol of resilience. It even hosted foreign dignitaries like the Archbishop of Canterbury and Jimmy Carter. Today, the Christian Hexin Church continues to serve as a gathering place for both English and Chinese services. Its history, woven into the fabric of Shanghai, speaks to the enduring power of community and faith.