Yanbu Viollon Church in Foshan

Yanbu Violin Church (小提琴教堂) is a church located in the city of Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. It is situated on the banks of the Huadi River in Nanhai District, with the address at 38 Dong Road, Yanbu Huan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan. The church is also known by its Chinese name, Christian Yanbu Church (基督教盐步堂).

Location

  • Address (地址): 38 Dong Road, Yanbu Huan Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China (广东省佛山市南海区盐步环镇东路38号).
  • Open Hours (开放时间): Sunday 9:00-10:30, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 20:00.
  • Ticket Price (门票价格): Free (免费).
  • Area (占地面积): 6 acres (六亩).
  • Tourist Rating (景点级别): 4A level (AAAA级).
  • Contact (联系电话): 85788717.

Architecture and Design Concept

The church’s exterior resembles a violin sculpture, combining elegance with serenity. It represents the dignity of the “Queen of Instruments” and presents a modern Christian architectural style. The church also embodies the image of a bride dressed neatly, standing by the river, awaiting (Revelation 21:2), symbolizing a modern architectural ballet. The main building has eight floors, with the following divisions:

  • First Floor (一楼): Main hall, reception room, library.
  • Second Floor (二楼): Secondary hall, mother-child room, choir room.
  • Third and Fourth Floors (三楼四楼): Sunday school and sky garden.
  • Fifth and Sixth Floors (五楼六楼): Double standard guest rooms.
  • Seventh Floor (七楼): Pastor’s dormitory.
  • Eighth Floor (八楼): Prayer room.

The violin structure stands 38 meters tall and strives to raise the cross, allowing praises to soar.

Theological and Architectural Symbolism

Theological Aspects 

  • Western Profile (西轮廓): Represents God, the House of God.
  • Eastern Profile (东轮廓): Represents “bon,” meaning “it is very good” (God’s creation).
  • Southern Profile (南轮廓): Represents a violin, symbolizing worship and praise.

This arrangement forms the theological concept of God, bon, praise (上帝所造的甚好，我们要高声赞美):

  • God, bon, praise (上帝所造的甚好，我们要高声赞美).
  • bon, God, praise (甚好且又真又活的上帝，我们要赞美).
  • bon, praise, God (好的荣耀赞美，我们要献给上帝).
  • praise, God, bon (赞美我们的上帝，好的生活方式).
  • God, praise, bon (上帝悦纳且称赞，我们的好行为).
  • praise, bon, God (赞美的祷告甚好，深蒙上帝垂听).

Sacred Scriptures and Symbols 

The church features seven doors, each with symbolic meanings:

  1. South Door (南门): Gate of Praise — “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:1).
  2. Main Door (正门): Gate of Salvation — “Salvation for His people, the forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:77).
  3. East Door (东门): Gate of Peace — “May the Lord make His face shine upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:26).
  4. West Door (西门): Gate of Resurrection — “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25).
  5. Right Altar Door (坛右门): Gate of Eternal Life — “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
  6. Left Altar Door (坛左门): Gate of Joy — “I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.” (Psalm 43:4).
  7. North Door (北门): Gate of Blessings — “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” (Deuteronomy 28:6).

The church also features artistic elements, such as:

  • Old Testament Selection (旧约精选): Hebrew ceramic engravings on the East Wall.
  • New Testament Selection (新约精选): Greek ceramic engravings on the West Wall.
  • Twelve Pillars (十二自然柱): Representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

A rainbow on the fence represents the covenant between God and man (Genesis 9:13-16).

Sacred Music and Spiritual Activities

The church’s musical elements include:

  • East Door (东门): Shaped like the Garden of Eden, with the internal shape resembling the Star of David, symbolizing peace.
  • West Door (西门): Shaped like the Resurrection Egg, with the internal shape depicting the empty tomb, representing the resurrection.
  • Every morning at 7:00, 365 hymns play from the cross’s sound system, guiding the people of Yanbu to start a beautiful day.

The church’s architectural style integrates sacred music with the layout, creating a unique and spiritually enriching environment for worship.

Yanbu Violin Church (盐步小提琴教堂) is not just a place of worship, but a representation of the harmony between architectural beauty and theological significance. It stands as a beacon of faith and praise, offering a modern and peaceful environment for its congregation. The church, designed by Simon Peter, was completed in December 2015 and covers an area of 3916 square meters with a building area of 1370 square meters. It can accommodate 1000 people for worship.