Cangxia Christ Church: A Fusion of Century-Old History and Architectural Art

Cangxia Christ Church, located at 17 Wentong Lane, Cangxiazhou, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, is one of the most prominent churches in the region showcasing British architectural style. Established in 1870, it was initially a mission station set up by the Church Missionary Society (Anglican Church) in Guangyu Building, Cangxiazhou. In 1882, due to the growing number of believers, the church purchased an old tea warehouse at No. 1 Yixia Bridge, renovated it, and named it Cangxia Christ Church. In 1924, the Anglican Diocese of Fujian decided to rebuild Cangxia Christ Church as a cathedral, which was completed in 1927, marked by a consecration ceremony. The church is constructed with red bricks, featuring a single-story structure with a basement, and its facade reflects the Victorian Gothic architectural style of Britain. Covering an area of over 1,000 square meters, the church faces east, with the main body serving as a large worship hall designed in a basilica Latin cross layout, accommodating up to 1,000 worshippers. The main facade faces west, with a three-bay design. The central bay appears as a two-story structure, with a pointed arch stone door on the first floor and a stone plaque inscribed with "Christ Church" above it. The second floor features three connected pointed arch windows, without a rose window, topped with a simple gable and a cross at the peak. The side bays are three-story towers, each adorned with triple Gothic pointed arch windows on every level. Cangxia Christ Church is not only a place of worship but also a witness to history. During the revolutionary war period, the church supported and sheltered underground activities of the Communist Party. In 1984, Xiang Nan, then Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, mentioned in a speech that "Cangxia Christ Church sheltered underground activities of the Party, contributing to the liberation cause." In 1950, the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Fujian initiated the Christian Reform Declaration signature campaign in response to "The Path of Chinese Christianity in the Construction of New China" and hosted a diocesan renewal evening at the cathedral. Today, Cangxia Christ Church has become an important historical and cultural landmark in Fuzhou, attracting numerous visitors and worshippers. The church's interior preserves a wealth of historical artifacts, such as the foundation stone and Chinese Bibles, showcasing its profound historical heritage. Surrounded by lush greenery, the church is a unique scenic spot in Fuzhou.