Chinese Christian Union Church, Chicago

Established in 1903 by missionaries and converts from the Presbyterian, Congregationalist, and Baptist churches, the Chinese Christian Union Church (CCUC) has a storied history. Initially situated in the Loop Chinatown on Clark Street, the church relocated to the new South Side Chinatown after 1912, following its worshipers. As they distanced themselves from their mainline Protestant roots and embraced an evangelical path, the church embarked on a significant journey. In 1950, groundbreaking ceremonies took place at the corner of 23rd Street and Wentworth Avenue for the construction of the present-day church building, which has remained a cornerstone of Chinatown, serving as a vital religious and social hub ever since.

The church's architectural design embraces Asian influences, featuring exquisite brickwork on its exterior. Services are conducted in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, making it a welcoming spiritual home for recent immigrants from China and Taiwan, as well as American-born Chinese individuals. The church offers a diverse range of programs, including ESL and citizenship courses, alongside prayer groups and ministries, embodying a holistic approach to supporting its members.