CCUC was formed in 1915, at a time of high social and political tension in the U.S., as a community for Chinese Christians to worship without discrimination. When its current building was constructed in 1948, the congregation did not have the funds to hire a renowned architect or design an elaborate structure, but it prioritized showcasing a traditional clay-tiled pagoda roof adorned with a cross so the church would be recognized as serving the Chinese Christian community. Today, it is one of the longest operating institutions in Chicago’s Chinatown.

Responsive to the needs of the community, CCUC holds worship services in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. The congregation regularly attends community cleanup and safety events in the neighborhood. Members visit juvenile detention facilities and actively participate in court advocacy and local school projects. CCUC’s buildings are filled 365 days of the year with congregants and community partners hosting events such as local government town halls, Asian American mental health and disability services, and public relations meetings with the Chicago Police Department. The church maintains a close relationship with the Pui Tak Center, which it founded, and offers programs and services that serve over 3,000 individuals a year, most of whom are not church members.

To provide greater accessibility for community members, CCUC will utilize a $500,000 National Fund grant and $500,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation to install a new elevator. This will greatly increase the accessibility of its worship services and daily programming to help all feel welcome in its building.

Photo by Brian Ho