First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, Chinatown
The First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, founded in 1880, occupies a striking brick building at the corner of Waverly Place and Sacramento Street in the heart of Chinatown. Completed in 1942, the structure’s textured brickwork and arched fenestration evoke a sense of permanence and spiritual grounding, standing in contrast to the ornamental pagoda styles typical of neighboring buildings. Red lanterns suspended overhead signal the vibrancy of the surrounding community, while the angular fire escapes and punched window openings reinforce the church’s urban context. This architectural landmark embodies the enduring role of Chinese American faith institutions in San Francisco’s cultural fabric.
First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, Chinatown
The First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco, founded in 1880, occupies a striking brick building at the corner of Waverly Place and Sacramento Street in the heart of Chinatown. Completed in 1942, the structure’s textured brickwork and arched fenestration evoke a sense of permanence and spiritual grounding, standing in contrast to the ornamental pagoda styles typical of neighboring buildings. Red lanterns suspended overhead signal the vibrancy of the surrounding community, while the angular fire escapes and punched window openings reinforce the church’s urban context. This architectural landmark embodies the enduring role of Chinese American faith institutions in San Francisco’s cultural fabric.