The First Seeds of Faith Planted
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
The First Seeds of Faith Planted
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
The First Seeds of Faith Planted
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
The First Seeds of Faith Planted
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
The First Seeds of Faith Planted
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
The First Seeds of Faith Planted
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
In 1944, a young pastor named Dr. R. Paul Caudill was called to pastor First Baptist Church of Memphis. Armed with the grace of God and a letter of introduction from the Chinese congregation he so lovingly ministered to in Augusta, Ga., he took his first steps to develop a Chinese church, which today has blossomed into First Chinese Baptist Church.
Fueled by his passion for winning souls to Jesus Christ, he visited and shared the gospel with the Chinese living in Memphis. Within the first few years, the fruits of his labor were evident in the baptism of two Chinese converts, Ellen and Susie Wong.
Assisting Dr. Caudill were men and women like Eldon and Lorena Roark, Mr. M. B. McGee, Roy and Ione Pierce, Mertie Chapman, Marie Jones, Maude Dabney and countless others. Chinese workers were also called to participate in this growing ministry. Among those who answered the call were Dr. Jachin Chan, who served from 1960-1962; Rev. Ulin Ho, 1962-1965; and Rev. Joseph Yip, 1975.
The Early Years
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The Early Years
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The Early Years
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The Early Years
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The Early Years
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The Early Years
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
The first official Chinese services began March 6, 1960, with Dr. Jachin Chan delivering sermons on the first and second Sundays of each month in the First Baptist Church chapel. After many years of interim Chinese pastors, the church appointed its first full-time pastor, Rev. Chee Wu.
Rev. and Mrs. Chee Wu came from Cleveland, Miss., in September 1967 with their sons, Jonathan and Terry. Under Rev. Wu's leadership, regular Chinese worship services were established, meeting each Sunday afternoon. Soon thereafter, Jonathan and Terry organized a choir called the "One Way Singers." The choir also served as the foundation for a youth ministry.
In March 1969, Mrs. Wu started a Chinese school which met every Sunday afternoon at First Baptist Church. A women's ministry, and the first meeting of the Women's Mission Union (WMU) was conducted at the home of Mrs. Joe T. Fong. In 1974, Rev. and Mrs. Wu retired but continued to serve the congregations in Memphis and Cleveland before settling down in California. Following Rev. Wu's departure, Rev. Paul Wong served as interim pastor, commuting on weekends between Memphis and Louisville, Ky., where he was attending seminary. He served until February 1975 and returned to Hong Kong upon receiving his doctorate.
In his absence, Rev. Joseph Yip served as interim pastor. Dr. Wong returned to Memphis in January 1976 with his wife Frances and their children, Frances, Paul Jr., Katherine, and Luke, to become full-time pastor of the Chinese Fellowship (CF). Under his leadership, numerous ministries and activities were started.
One of these new ministries was the Mandarin Fellowship, organized in October 1976. Under his direction, the Chinese Fellowship adopted an organizational structure which included the election of church officers, an annual budget, and regular business meetings. Recognizing that the youth were the backbone of the church, he began a youth ministry called "The Truthseekers" to train disciples and leaders. Monthly meetings were held which evolved into weekly Bible studies. Many activities were organized, including trips to the Youth Evangelism Conference, cookouts at Mrs. Roark's home, youth retreats, scavenger hunts, and after-meeting dinners. One of Dr. Wong's goals was to lead the Chinese Fellowship to become a church with its own mission and vision.
Building on Faith
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
Building on Faith
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
Building on Faith
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
Building on Faith
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
Building on Faith
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
Building on Faith
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.
In time, the church outgrew the Stratford Road facilities and made plans to move. Recognizing our need, Berclair Baptist Church graciously extended their facilities for our use. As a result of the move to Berclair, we expanded our Sunday School classes and began two Sunday worship services, one in English and the other in Cantonese/Mandarin. New programs were added including the Evergreen fellowship, the Mandarin fellowship, the Cantonese II fellowship, Friday Night Life Growth fellowship, and an annual family camp.
On November 1994, the congregation embarked on a building project with the purchase of 5.2 acres of land on Macon Road in Cordova. By the grace of God and the sacrifice of friends and members of the church, the first part of our building program has been completed. April 5, 1998 was a historic day for First Chinese Baptist Church as the first worship services were conducted in the new building in Cordova.