Glance up. Do you notice the Neo-Romanesque architecture of All Saints Church? It stands as a testament to Shanghai’s diverse history.
All Saints Church is a Protestant Christian place of worship. It is located in Huangpu, Shanghai. The church has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century.
In 1915, Cameron Farquhar McRae bought a house. He was a missionary of the Episcopal Church. He used it as his preaching station in the Shanghai French Concession. Bishop Frederick Graves purchased land in 1919. He built the first church building there.
McRae and Wang Xiaokui planned the current All Saints Church building. It was completed and consecrated on Christmas Day in 1925. The church was under the administration of the Chung Hua Sheng Kung Hui. This was the Anglican Church in China.
Chen Yong’en became assistant bishop of Fukien here on November 1, 1927. Shen Zigao was consecrated as bishop of Shensi on June 9, 1934. Shen was the first Chinese Anglican diocesan bishop.
In 1949, All Saints Church had 633 baptized members. It also had 387 confirmed congregants. Wei Xiben and Peng Shengyong were the pastors at that time.
After 1949, Protestant churches in Shanghai began joint worship in 1958. All Saints was chosen as the joint worship location in Luwan District.
The Cultural Revolution brought closure to the church. But it reopened in 1982. From 1983 to 1994, about 3,400 people were baptized here. Since 1985, a special worship service has been held. It is for individuals with blindness. It takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month. By 1998, the church had 6,200 members on record. All Saints Church underwent renovations in 2009 and 2014.
All Saints Church stands as the only surviving Neo-Romanesque church in Shanghai. It is listed as one of the Featured Historical Buildings of Shanghai. The church showcases the Anglican high church style of the 17th century. The basilica is made of red bricks. A square tower rises at the northwest corner.
Facing west, the church has a narthex. Three arched doorways are separated by Corinthian columns. Above the narthex, a rose window adds to its beauty. The main sanctuary includes a nave and two aisles. Five timber frames support the roof. Smaller chapels sit at the ends of the transept.
Ground stakes were added in 2009. They improved the church’s structural integrity. Paint was removed inside the sanctuary. An Anglican-style church tabernacle was installed in 2014. The pulpit was moved to the side of the choir. These improvements aimed to restore the church interior. The goal was to bring it back to its original 1925 appearance. An early photograph found in 2011 served as a reference.
All Saints Church covers an area of 1,326 square meters. The main sanctuary can accommodate 500 people. The chapel and church annex can host 1,000 people.
All Saints Church has stood here for almost a century. It has witnessed Shanghai’s transformations. Its survival and restoration reflect faith. They also reflect architectural preservation. The church continues to be a place of worship and a historical landmark.