Did you know the Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church started with just twenty people? Imagine that small group’s vision spreading to become the church we see today. It all began on April 6, 1980. The Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church was established. It became a member of the Baptist Union of Victoria.
Initially, these brothers and sisters in Christ came from Hong Kong. They gathered in a small hall rented from the Baptist Theological Seminary. The sermons were in Cantonese. English translations were provided. Later, the church moved to a small hall in the Y.W.C.A. They also gathered at St. Alban’s Church.
In 1986, the Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church leased East Kew Baptist Church. This was arranged by the Baptist Union of Victoria. Some members in the northern suburbs started an evangelistic group. This group eventually became the Central Chinese Baptist Church. In 1988, East Kew Baptist Church merged with the Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church. This merger happened because of declining attendance at East Kew. The Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church continued to spread the gospel. Their focus was on the Chinese community in Melbourne.
The church expanded further in the 90s. An evangelistic group formed in Knox. This group became the Eastern Chinese Baptist Church in 1998. In April 2005, the Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church moved to its current premises.
The Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church offers diverse services today. You can attend services in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. These cater to different linguistic needs within the community. There are also groups for youths, adults, and the elderly. Sunday School, prayer, and bible study groups are available. A Chinese language school has been running since 1988.
Services are held at different times. The English service is at 9:30 am in the Hall. The Mandarin service is at 9:30 pm in the Sanctuary. The Cantonese service takes place at 11:30 am in the Sanctuary. Kids’ Church Shine for Christ has two classes. Class 1 is at 9:30 am. Class 2 is at 11:30 am. Fusion, an English youth group, meets at 11:30 am. Cantonese Adult Sunday school is from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Mandarin Adult Sunday school runs from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
Before becoming the Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church, this site had a rich history. The building was originally a Presbyterian Church. It was built in 1887. Nathaniel Billing was the architect. The Presbyterian congregation had outgrown its original wooden church. The present church was then erected. The spire reaches a height of 125 feet. The church could seat about 350 people. The cost was over 4,000 pounds.
The Melbourne Chinese Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It shows community and growth. It began with a small group. It now serves many through different ministries.