More than a hundred years ago here in Los Angeles, the number of Chinese residence was small but the need for fellowship was large. A former missionary, Mrs. A.A. Birdsall got the available Chinese Christians together in a fellowship that found a meeting place at 204 Marchessault Street. This was the year 1887. Three years later the fellowship was organized into a mission. In 1893 the first Chinese minister, Rev. Chan Lok Shang was appointed and the mission was moved to more adequate quarters at 510 \u00bd North Los Angeles Street.
\nRev. Chan\u2019s tenure was short and in 1894 the Rev. Chan Hon Fun was appointed. Under his leadership the Mission flourished and found another location at 522\u00bd North Los Angeles Street and was to be the home of the Mission for the next fifty years.<\/p>\n
In 1938 Dr. Ernest S. Lyons, a retired missionary from the Philippines was appointed as the pastor, who persuaded Rev. Wun Bew Wong from China as the full time Minister of the Chinese Church in 1943. With the arrival of Rev. Wong and his family, the Chinese Church really came to life and the rented upstairs quarters were inadequate. The church moved to a more accessible location at 618 New High Street, but what the church really needed above all else was a new home the Chinese Church could call its own.<\/p>\n
The dream was shared with Dr. Lyons. He in turn discussed the problem with Bishop Baker and Dr. Hole, who agreed to provide financial assistance from the Southern California Conference. Additional funding was provided by Dr. Middleton with both a sizable donation and a loan. A fund raising followed and was given a great impetus with the acquisition of a very desirable lot at 825 North Hill Street.<\/p>\n
By April 1947 sufficient funds had been raised to permit the Church to have a ground breaking ceremony and for construction to begin. The first service in the new building was held on Nov 16, 1947. The dreams and hard work of the Rev. Wun Bew Wong and his faithful congregation had come to a perfect fruition. The sanctuary was even more beautiful and inspiring than had been planned. The leadership and influence of Rev. Wong in the community were recognized, and in 1954 was awarded the degree of Doctor of Divinity by California Western University of San Diego. Additional quarters over the social hall and dining room at the back of the sanctuary were built in early 1969.<\/p>\n
Doctor Wong had served the church for 27 years. In June 1968, he was succeed by Rev. Joseph Ma, who served for another eleven years. During the Conference session of 1979, Rev. Leo L. Hsu was appointed to succeed Rev. Ma.<\/p>\n
Today, the Chinese United Methodist Church at ChinaTown is served by Senior Pastor Rev. Eva Thai-Erwin with the English Speaking Ministry and Associate Pastor Rev. Lye Keng Tan with the Chinese Speaking Ministry.<\/p>\n
TIMELINE<\/p>\n
1887 \u2022 Formation of the Chinese Christian Fellowship (CCF) at 204 Marchesault Street.<\/p>\n
1890 \u2022 The CCF became part of the Pacific Mission of the Methodist Church. Rev. Lok-Shang Chan was appointed Pastor. The mission moved to 510 1\/2 North Los Angeles Street.<\/p>\n
1894 \u2022 Rev. Hon Fun Chan was appointed minister. Process was made and the mission moved to 522 1\/2 North Los Angeles Street.<\/p>\n
1900 \u2022 Rev. Hon Fun Chan was transferred to San Francisco and succeeded by Rev. Kiu-Sing Chan.<\/p>\n
1923 \u2022 Rev. Kiu-Sing Chan\u2019s dedicated service terminated on Christmas Eve of 1923, in an automobile accident.<\/p>\n
1925 \u2022 Rev. Sing-Kai Chan became Pastor. A Chinese language class was set up with Mrs. Jung Leong in charge.<\/p>\n
1929 \u2022 Rev. Sing-Kai Chan resigned and decline ensued. Fortunately, with the help of many faithful Christians, The church held itself together.<\/p>\n
1938 \u2022 Dr. Ernest S. Lyons was appointed Superintendent of the California Oriental Mission and served as pastor with the assistance of Mr. Wun Bew Wong.<\/p>\n
1942 \u2022 Mr. Wun Bew Wong was appointed as pastor Church moved to 6518 New High Street and an English class was set up.<\/p>\n
1943 \u2022 A church building committee was formed with Rev. W.B. Wong as Chairman.<\/p>\n
1944 \u2022 With sufficient funds, the lot located at 825 North Castelar Street was acquired. (Now know as North Hill Street)<\/p>\n
1945 \u2022 A financial campaign was launched and $63,000 was raised. 1946 \u2022 A $15,000 loan was arranged with the Methodist Church for the church building program.<\/p>\n
1947 \u2022 Construction began in spring, 1947. By October, the new church building was completed at a cost of $78,000. On November 16, the church was officially opened for service by Bishop J. Baker.<\/p>\n
1950 \u2022 The $15,000 loan was repaid and the church was dedicated to God.<\/p>\n
1952 \u2022 The Oriental Provisional Conference was dissolved. The church became a member of the Southern California-Arizona Conference.<\/p>\n
1954 \u2022 An Honorary Doctorate Degree was conferred upon Rev. W.B. Wong by the California Western University.<\/p>\n
1961 \u2022 The 70th Anniversary was celebrated on November 20.<\/p>\n
1965 \u2022 Sunday School building campaign was launched and $26,000 was donated.<\/p>\n
1968 \u2022 With a loan of $13,700 from the Methodist Church, construction for a Sunday School addition began in April and was completed in August at a cost of $35,000.<\/p>\n
\u2022 A Rev. W.B. Wong retired. A banquet in his honor was celebrated in June.<\/p>\n
1969 \u2022 Rev. Joseph Ma was appointed Pastor.<\/p>\n
1970 \u2022 The 80th Anniversary Banquet was celebrated in conjunction with the annual Thanksgiving Dinner.<\/p>\n
1971 \u2022 Chinatown Service Center began its servicesto the community in December. 1972 \u2022 Danny Yu became the first youth director of the local church.<\/p>\n
1975 \u2022 The local church became self-supporting<\/p>\n
1976 \u2022 Committee was formed to start mission project in Orange County<\/p>\n
1977 \u2022 Rev. Leo Hsu was appointed to be the first Associate Pastor in January.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In June, the first evening service for the Orange County mission began.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Joseph Ma retired in November. A banquet in his honor was given in the same month. 1978 \u2022 In July, Rev. Leo Hsu was appointed pastor of the Orange County Mission, formally chartered in September.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In October, Rev. Hsu was re-appointed pastor of the Chinese United Methodist Church of Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
1979 \u2022 First Family Camp was held at Westmont College.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mission task force was organized for South Bay Area.<\/p>\n
1980 \u2022 Ordination of Mamie Ko as Deacon.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Second Family Camp was held in Arrowhead Springs.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The 90th Anniversary was celebrated in November.<\/p>\n
1981 \u2022 Pulpit Exchange among the UMC Chinese Pastors was initiated.<\/p>\n
1982 \u2022 The First Bazaar was organized.<\/p>\n
\u2022 United Methodist Women (UMW) published the first edition of \u201cSimple to Gourmet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 Stewardship Month was scheduled to be an annual event in November every year.<\/p>\n
1983 \u2022 The first English Worship was conducted on September 18.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Evyn Adams was appointed as the first minister for Special Ministry, working with the English speaking congregation.<\/p>\n
1984 \u2022 Rev. Adams went to Hawaii to teach in the University.<\/p>\n
\u2022 A drama entitled \u201cDreamer\u201d was presented by the youth.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mrs. Margaret Cheng undertook to write the Chinese Worship Bulletin<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Miyeko Uriu was appointed as the Associate Pastor in charge of the English Ministry & Christian<\/p>\n
Education Department in July.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Monthly Newsletters began to be distributed on the first Sunday of each month.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u201cAn evening of Chinese Music\u201d was presented.<\/p>\n
1985 \u2022 UMW published the 2nd edition of the cookbook \u201cSimple to Gourmet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 A new PA System was installed in memory of Mrs. Keh Ming Liu by her family.<\/p>\n
1986 \u2022 Successful implementation of the Stewardship Campaign planned by the Finance & Field Service<\/p>\n
of the National Division of the General Board ofGlobal Ministries. 1987 \u2022 Fund-raising lunches were organized by the UMW on the first Sunday of each month.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mr. Alfred Chu and Mr. Keh Ming Liu were the Choir Directors of the English and Chinese Worship<\/p>\n
Services.<\/p>\n
1988 \u2022 Rev. Leo Hsu, Senior Pastor, was elected as the Official Clergy Delegate to represent our Annual<\/p>\n
Conference to the 1988 General Conference.<\/p>\n
1988 \u2022 Rev. Miyeko Uriu was appointed as Co-Pastor & Rev. Leo Hsu as Administrative Pastor.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Miss Chin Cheak Yu became Youth Director. The Junior High Group was formed.V<\/p>\n
1989 \u2022 The Chinese Speaking Youth Group was formed.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Miyeko Uriu retired during the Annual Conference.<\/p>\n
1990 \u2022 Rev. Mamie Ko was appointed as Associate Pastor on January 1, in charge of the English Speaking<\/p>\n
Ministry.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Chin Cheak Yu was ordained on June 17 and appointed as Associate Pastor in charge of the<\/p>\n
Youth Ministry and Christian Education in July.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Kick-off Ceremony of the Centennial Anniversary Celebration on May 6.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Centennial Celebration Thanksgiving Worship Service and Banquet on November 17.<\/p>\n
1991 \u2022 Rev. Chin Cheak Yu married Rev. George Martzen. She was the first pastor to get married at CUMC.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Mandarin translation in Chinese worship began.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In February, Bible study and prayer meetings began every other week at Rev. Hsu\u2019s home.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Chinese Sunday School began in May.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Chinese Speaking Youth group met regularly on Friday nights.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Phyllis Chan was hired as the part-time secretary of the church.<\/p>\n
1992 \u2022 English Ministry began the Discipleship Training led by Rev. Chin Cheak Yu and Julie Cheng.<\/p>\n
\u2022 UMC\u2019s Korean Ministry held their worship service at church on Sunday afternoons and Friday nights.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Andrew Fellowship was formed for those who had a burden to share the Gospel with others.<\/p>\n
It met every other month at Rev. Hsu\u2019s home.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Wesley Fellowship split into Wesley andEvergreen Fellowships. 1992 \u2022 Rev. Chin Cheak Yu was appointed as the Pastor of the Chinese Ministry of the First United Methodist Church in Alhambra beginning July 1. Samuel Chow volunteered himself to take over youth and Christian Education Ministries of the Church<\/p>\n
\u2022 The first Vacation Bible School was held in July. More than 50 children participated.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Hsu, Rev. Ko and Samuel Chow attended the 2nd World Chinese Evangelism Conference in Hong<\/p>\n
Kong.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Beginning October 27, Bible Study and prayer meetings were held at Grand Plaza every Wednesday.<\/p>\n
1993 \u2022 Brothers and sisters pledged to support the project \u201cCalled to Follow Jesus\u201d which was launched by United Methodist Church to raise funds for overseas mission.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Brothers and sisters from the English Ministry had a mission trip in Mexico to help a United Methodist Church remodel and expand their facility.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Samuel Chow was ordained as Deacon and was appointed as Assistant Pastor of the church, taking care of youth ministry and Christian Education. He was also the Director of Ministry of the Chinese<\/p>\n
Christian Herald Crusades of Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Chinatown Children Choir of Los Angeles was formed in September. Alice Khoo and Grace Chan were the President and Chairperson respectively. Monthly workshops were held to evangelize to the parents.<\/p>\n
\u2022 A basketball team was formed to evangelize to college students.<\/p>\n
\u2022 CUMC began to use Chinatown Public Safety Association\u2019s (CPSA) facilities for Sunday School purposes.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Health workshops were held once a month. Itwas sponsored by the Pacific Alliance Medical Center.<\/p>\n
1994 \u2022 Rev. Dr. Wun Bew Wong, who served the church for more than 30 years, passed away to be with the Lord.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Dr. Leo Hsu was appointed as the Superintendent of Pasadena District.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Samuel Chow was appointed as the PastorIn-Charge of the CUMC. \u2022 Chinatown Children\u2019s Choir received financial support from the United Methodist General Commission on Religion and Race. The first concert was held at the Chinese Cultural Center II at El Monte.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Brother and sisters from English Ministry had a mission trip in Mexico to train VBS teacher for a Methodist Church.<\/p>\n
\u2022 English Ministry encourages brothers and sisters to pray for their family members. A workshop on<\/p>\n
prayer was held.<\/p>\n
\u2022 A group of Chinese speaking young adults began to meet once a month.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Childcare was provided during English worship.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The backstage at the fellowship hall was remodeled into a Sunday School classroom.<\/p>\n
1995 \u2022 Chinese Ministry formed four regional Bible Study groups. Brothers and sisters met every other<\/p>\n
week<\/p>\n
\u2022 Brothers and sisters were paired up as prayer partners to strengthen our prayer life.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Visitation and Caring Ministry was formed.<\/p>\n
\u2022 English Ministry College Group was divided into College and Career Groups.<\/p>\n
\u2022 English Ministry lengthened their Sunday worship by changing their worship time from 9:30 am to 9:00am.<\/p>\n
\u2022 English Ministry formed the Young Families Group.<\/p>\n
1996 \u2022 A brainstorming meeting was held on January 13. The Long Term and Short Term Committees were formed to plan for the future development of the church.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Luke Fellowship was formed for the Chinese speaking young adults.<\/p>\n
1996 \u2022 The Mission Fund was established to support mission and the needy.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Funds were raised to build a pipe organ for the church.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Yannie Chan was hired as the part time secretary.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Rev. Samuel Chow was ordained as the Elder\u2019s Order.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Western Jurisdiction Korean Mission began their Sunday worship at our church.<\/p>\n
\u2022 English Ministry held the evangelistic meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Road to Glory.\u201d\u4e00\u767e\u4e8c\u5341\u5468\u5e74\u7d00\u5ff5\u7279\u520a<\/span> | 120th Anniversary Celebration Booklet 31<\/p>\n \u2022 \u201cCalled to Follow Jesus\u201d campaign came to an end. The pledge exceeded our goal of $50,000.<\/p>\n \u2022 A fellowship was formed for the Chinatown Children Choir\u2019s members aged 13 or above. Meeting was held once a month. 1997 \u2022 Pipe organ construction was near completion. The old electronic organ was donated to the Shepherd of the Hills UMC in Monterey Park.<\/p>\n \u2022 Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the church building on November 30.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Church Development Fund was formed and the target was to raise $2 million to prepare for the<\/p>\n future development of the church.<\/p>\n 1998 \u2022 A Visitation & Caring Group was set up by Chinese Speaking Youth Group to strengthen the caring ministry of the young.<\/p>\n \u2022 A series of workshops on Marriage and Family Ministry were held.<\/p>\n \u2022 A website was set up for the church. The address was http:\/\/www.cumcla.org.<\/p>\n \u2022 Long Term and Short Term Planning Committees were combined into the Long Term Planning<\/p>\n and Fundraising Committee. Their goals were to improve building facility, strengthen spiritual life<\/p>\n and mission.<\/p>\n \u2022 Daisy Ho, student of the Fuller Theological Seminary began her internship at the church.<\/p>\n \u2022 The English Ministry celebrated their 15th<\/sup> Anniversary. A series of activities were held and previous pastors were invited to speak Sunday worship.<\/p>\n \u2022 The pipe organ construction was completed Dedication Service was held on June 14.<\/p>\n \u2022 English Ministry formed the morning prayer team to pray for the pastors, congregation and the<\/p>\n church at 8 am on Sunday.<\/p>\n \u2022 Young Tree Fellowship was to serve the children of Wesley Fellowship members.<\/p>\n 1999 \u2022 Rev. Mamie Ko was appointed to be pastor of the Shepherd of the Hill UMC at Monterey Park.<\/p>\n \u2022 Rev. Cecil Carl Johnson was appointed to be the pastor of the English Ministry.<\/p>\n \u2022 Long Term Planning and Fundraising Committee have set its goal as \u201cOperation: Church Expansion.\u201d<\/p>\n The Committee worked into the possibility of purchasing the nearby property at Hill Street for Sunday School and office purposes. However, the attempt was not successful.<\/p>\n \u2022 Chinese Council on Ministry set up the Fellowship Department to strengthen the cooperation and<\/p>\n communication between fellowships. It will provide support and resources when needed.<\/p>\n \u2022 A group of Chinese speaking young couples met regularly, hoping a fellowship could be formed.<\/p>\n \u2022 A prayer chain was formed in the English Ministry.z<\/p>\n \u2022 John Fellowship was formed from the Wesley Fellowship to better serve members\u2019 different needs.<\/p>\n 2000 \u2022 Rev. Joseph Ma passed away to be with the Lord on January 11.<\/p>\n \u2022 Another Chinese worship service was started beginning April 30. The worship schedule was 8:30 am for the Chinese, 10:00 am for the English, and 11:30 am for the Chinese.<\/p>\n \u2022 Tutoring class was held to follow up with the children who joined the VBS.<\/p>\n \u2022 Disciple Bible Study began to meet September 23 for thirty-four consecutive weeks. 2000 \u2022 The 110th Anniversary Music Concert by John Wesley Singers was held on November 4.<\/p>\n \u2022 Mrs. Connie Wu was hired as the Pastoral Assistant of the Church.<\/p>\n \u2022 The Administrative Board took over the long term planning and development of the church.<\/p>\n 2001 \u2022 San Gabriel United Methodist Cantonese Service started in December.<\/p>\n \u2022 English Youth Fellowship started meeting twice a month.<\/p>\n 2002 \u2022 Rev. Judith Portinga appointed to CUMC as the pastor for the English Ministry.<\/p>\n 2003 \u2022 Rev. Chow stated Happy Tea Hour as an outreach to community restaurant workers.<\/p>\n \u2022 Basketball Ministry started.<\/p>\n \u2022 English Ministry presented its first drama, \u201cJoy to the World.\u201d<\/p>\n 2004 \u2022 CUMC was designated as a Los Angeles Historical Landmark.<\/p>\n \u2022 Sue Chow began serving as an intern focusing on Counseling & Community Ministry in October.<\/p>\n \u2022 Joyce Mah joined CUMC as Choir Director in October.32 \u4e00\u767e\u4e8c\u5341\u5468\u5e74\u7d00\u5ff5\u7279\u520a<\/span> | 120th Anniversary Celebration Booklet<\/p>\n 2005 \u2022 Stained glass windows installed in memory of Don & Suey Quan, Russell Lee, Margaret Jones, and<\/p>\n Dorothy Q. Jew On.<\/p>\n \u2022 Sue Chow became Pastoral Assistant, Minister of Community Outreach & Counseling.<\/p>\n \u2022 Joyce Mah became Minister of Music & Youth.<\/p>\n \u2022 Chinese Ministry Vision Team was formed to study church growth.<\/p>\n \u2022 Joe Chan set up Church library.<\/p>\n \u2022 Video Projector installed in sanctuary.<\/p>\n \u2022 Min Yan, student from Claremont, served as intern and Director of Youth.<\/p>\n \u2022 The English Ministry presented drama, \u201cNian.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Los Angeles District of the United Methodist Church celebrates 100 years.<\/p>\n 2006 \u2022 Rev. Chow left to serve the First United Methodist Church of San Gabriel.<\/p>\n \u2022 The following Lay Speakers were certified: Winston Chan, Grace Chan, Wilde Kwok, Joseph Wong, Marion Low, and Patrick Leung.<\/p>\n \u2022 Chinese Men\u2019s Support Group was started, coordinator David To.<\/p>\n \u2022 Stained glass windows installed in memory of Tin Loy Chung and Valeriano Kee Lee.<\/p>\n \u2022 Sanctuary & Fellowship doors were replaced in memory of Lucille Chan & Robert Lee (spouse of<\/p>\n Marilyn Lum Lee.)<\/p>\n \u2022 Youth members joined the Yuen-Nan Medical Mission team to China.<\/p>\n \u2022 First year for members to join the CCHC Love Mission team to China\u2019s San Ming Children Village.<\/p>\n \u2022 Safe Sanctuary windows were installed in classrooms.<\/p>\n \u2022 English Ministry formed a second praise team.<\/p>\n \u2022 Front decorative wood double doors at front of sanctuary were refurbished and refinished in memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Wong.<\/p>\n 2007 \u2022 Rev. Joseph Lai joined CUMC as a local pastor from May to November.<\/p>\n 2008 \u2022 Chinese Children\u2019s Choir celebrated its 15th ear with a Northern California Concert Tour.<\/p>\n \u2022 Rev. Dr. John Wang was appointed to CUMC.<\/p>\n \u2022 Karen Zheng was the first recipient of the CUMC College Scholarship.<\/p>\n \u2022 The name of Nomination\/Personnel Committee was changed to Committee on Lay Leadership.<\/p>\n 2009 \u2022 Drama \u201cJourney to the East\u201d written and directed by Wes Portinga is presented.<\/p>\n \u2022 Jean Quan was elected President of the Los Angeles District Methodist Women.<\/p>\n 2010 \u2022 The remodeling of the restroom was completed.<\/p>\n \u2022 CUMC recognized by the Conference for over three decades of 100% Apportionment.<\/p>\n \u2022 Fifth year for members to join CCHC Love Mission.<\/p>\n \u2022 10th year of the United Methodist Women participating in Nancy Yu\u2019s Feed the Needy<\/p>\n Program.<\/p>\n \u2022 English as a Second Language Program sponsored by the United Methodist Women in its<\/p>\n (22nd or 24th) year.<\/p>\n \u2022 June 30, Rev. Judith Portinga completed her 8th<\/sup> year of serving CUMC English Ministry.<\/p>\n \u2022 Rev. David Brewer was appointed to CUMC as pastor for the English Ministry.<\/p>\n \u2022 CUMC celebrated its 120th anniversary.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" More than a hundred years ago here in Los Angeles, the number of Chinese residence was small but the need for fellowship was large. A former missionary, Mrs. A.A. Birdsall got the available Chinese Christians together in a fellowship that found a meeting place at 204 Marchessault Street. This was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\n