English. Cantonese. Mandarin. Vietnamese. Where could you hear all of these languages spoken, in-between bites of celebratory Italian food? At First Chinese Baptist Church of Fountain Valley, lovingly known as FCBC, on Brookhurst, across from Mile Square Park.
On May 31, FCBC dedicated its brand-new building. The fully-funded construction project took 55 weeks to complete. However, the story of this structure goes back to 1977, when FCBC was founded.
After 3 moves in its first 10 years, FCBC bought the property it currently occupies in 1994. Almost immediately, discussions began about replacing the well-used existing buildings, and fundraising efforts got underway. By the time the most recent fundraising campaign began in 2022, many of the early donors were no longer present. Yet one visionary maintained an unwavering devotion to the project from the beginning: architect emeritus Percy Cheng.
Grateful hearts were evident during an appreciation ceremony at the close of the dedication celebration in May. The church recognized the building’s architects, consultants, project manager and committee members. The banquet coordinator and hall designer also were thanked. Last, but certainly not least, Cheng received special recognition for his decades of dedication.
In an earlier interview, Pastor Godfrey highlighted other aspects of FCBC that he wants the community to know about. The church’s children’s ministry has plenty of room to grow, with 12 classrooms on the second floor dedicated exclusively to children’s programming. The multipurpose room on the first floor seats 320 people and can accommodate sports such as basketball, volleyball and Awana games.
Youth and adult programs will continue to use the original classroom building, and the former sanctuary will remain in use on most Sundays. FCBC hopes to make its buildings and grounds available for community use. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance services and counseling programs already are offered. The Fountain Valley Police Department has even used church facilities for police dog training exercises.
In his remarks about the project, Cheng compared himself to David facing Goliath. Among his “five smooth stones,” he said, the fourth was the City of Fountain Valley.
He concluded with a glimpse of the future: Phase II. The old buildings eventually may give way to new ones, but the church’s mission will remain unchanged: loving God, loving people of all languages and cultures, and making Jesus known.