The Chinese Community United Methodist Church was founded in Oakland Chinatown in Oakland, California, in 1887. The church was established to be part of a chain of Methodist Chinese Missions by the Rev. Dr. Otis T. Gibson. Originally, the Chinese Methodist Church held worship service and Sunday School. Then to serve the growing Chinese community needs, an English school for immigrants, and a Chinese school for the American born Chinese also operated. The church was sustained by courageous Chinese and American born workers, specifically as there was strong anti-Chinese sentiments.
The church was located at several sites in Oakland Chinatown. Chan Hon Fun was the pastor from 1900 to 1909 and established the church's current location in 1905 at 321 8th Street Oakland, CA 9460
In 1913, a fire destroyed the building then a new building was erected. Under increasing pressures to expand services, a new church was built upon and expanded. The current main sanctuary was built in 1952. With more community growth, a new social hall and classrooms annex was built in 1970.