In July of 1953, Rev. Charles L. Culpepper, the founder and director of Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary, and Pastor Yang Meizhai of Yan Oi Baptist Church, established the "Southern Baptist Church Xindian Mission" on Guangming Street, in Xindian. Rev. Culpepper served as its first pastor. In 1959, Xindian Baptist church was built at its current site on land purchased on Guangming Street. The church's founding anniversary was on November 15th. This was Taiwan's 23rd Baptist church.
The church is designed according to the Gothic architecture of many southern churches in the United States, with a sloping and pointed roof, and a bell-like tower holding up a cross. The facade of the church is shaped like a sunflower with twelve petals, symbolizing the twelve tribes of God's chosen people.
The logo image of Xindian Baptist Church
The logo of the church integrates the facade of the church, representing its vision. It was designed by Rev. Culpepper, the Southern Baptist missionary who established the church. Its meaning is described as follows:
God himself founded the church for the purpose of spreading the gospel of the cross. Thus, we must be Christ-centered, exalt the cross, and integrate church members with their various different gifts. The shape of the sunflower represents the flourishing grace fostered by the Holy Spirit; the leaves develop from small to large, signifying the spiritual growth of the church saints and the furthering of the gospel; the expansion of the double-ringed circle represents the spread of the gospel from near to far, to the ends of the earth.
Xindian Baptist Church Membership Statement
1. Motivated by God’s love, I am willing to maintain church unity by caring for other members, refraining from gossip, and following the leaders' teachings.
2. I am willing to pray for the growth of the church, invite non-believers to services, and warmly welcome others to share in the responsibilities of the church.
3. I am willing to contribute my gifts and talents, be equipped by the pastors, develop a servant’s heart, and commit myself to participating in church matters.
4. In order to uphold the church’s testimony, I am willing to faithfully attend the church services, live a holy life, and give regularly.