Over 80 Years of God’s Grace
On September 22, 1935, Rev. Ching Chong Hung gave the first sermon in English and Cantonese to the Chinese Community Church (CCC) at the Mount Vernon Place Methodist Episcopal Church. Approximately 200 people attended.
The church offered DC’s growing Chinese population religious programs, training, and teaching. It was also a home away from home for many students, immigrants, visitors, and local residents. The gospel was spread through such fellowships as the World War II Service Clubs, Americanization classes, cultural and social activities.
In 1939, CCC moved its afternoon services from Mount Vernon Place to its newly acquired townhouse at 1011 L Street NW. The church remained at the townhouse until sufficient funds were raised to build a church at that location in 1957.
In the decades that followed, CCC continued to serve its congregation and community through such services as the Chinese seminarian training program, Refugee Resettlement Program, and the Chinatown Service Center (CSC).
In the 1970s and ‘80’s, they would celebrate their 35th, 40th, 45th, and 50th anniversaries (Golden Jubilee). They would also pay off the building mortgage.
But there was also sadness and loss, as the church founder, Rev. C.C. Hung, passed away in 1984. May 4th, the day Rev. Hung passed away, was declared a memorial day in his honor. Next year, his beloved wife, Florence Hung, also passed away.
The growing congregation returned to Mount Vernon Place in 1994 as part of a Shared Ministry. The church continued to worship there until 2006, when it purchased her present historic location, 500 I Street in Chinatown. Built in 1852, the building was originally designed by U.S. Capitol architect, Thomas Ustick Walter.
CCC completed renovating the fellowship hall, Sunday School classrooms and offices. The exterior was totally restored, thanks in great measure to a gift from Gould Properties. After a total demolition and redesign in 2012, the new sanctuary, the final building project, was dedicated to the glory of God.
Foremost in the minds of the congregation is to continue to faithfully serve God in His kingdom. The Chinese Community Church invites all to join through the Sunday worship services (Cantonese, Mandarin, and English), Sunday School classes, Bible study cell, fellowship or prayer groups, or community outreach opportunities.
Thanks Be to God!