Rev. John Saunders was appointed as the first Baptist missionary to Sydney. He arrived on 1st December 1834 and quickly became a respected figure, admired for his compassion and dedication.

Saunders’ ministry established the foundation for what would become Central Baptist Church. His advocacy for moral reforms and his pastoral care left a lasting impact on the community and greater Sydney.

The Bathurst Street Baptist Church officially opened on 23rd September 1836, becoming Sydney's first dedicated Baptist place of worship.

The construction of the church represented a milestone for the Baptist community in Sydney, offering a permanent home for worship and community gatherings.

Rev. Dr. Wilfred Jarvis became pastor in 1934 and played a crucial role inspiring the congregation during a period of upheaval and change. Known for his eloquence and diverse talents in art, music and drama, he brought energy and vision to the church.

In 1936, the New South Wales Government resumed the Bathurst Street property for the expansion of St. Andrew’s Cathedral. This meant the church had to seek a new location. Ultimately, the current site on George Street was chosen.

The opening service on 9th October 1937 was a momentous occasion, celebrated as a significant milestone in New South Wales Baptist history.

The Asian ministry began in 1964, when a Chinese Sunday School started meeting in the shop at the Palmer House (now the Jarvis Centre). It became the foundation of what was referred to as "The Asian Department."

This ministry marked the beginning of Central Baptist Church's focus on outreach to the growing Chinese community in Sydney.

The church started a morning Cantonese service, which was held before the 11am English service.

In the late 1980s an afternoon Cantonese afternoon service was also launched.

In February 2003, the church started a Mandarin service which reflected the growing diversity and needs of the Chinese-speaking community in Sydney.

A Thai ministry began, with about 15-20 Thai people worshipping in the English service. That group later became identified as the Thai fellowship.

A Thai ministry worker was appointed in 2019, and a Thai congregation pastor was appointed on 7 August 2022.

For nearly two centuries, Central Baptist Church has stood as a testament to faith, evangelism and community service, evolving to meet the needs of Sydney’s ever-changing cultural landscape.

Central Baptist Church has become a diverse but united community with four languages and five services in one church.

We trust that our Lord, Jesus Christ, who has led us in the past continues to guide us today and will remain the cornerstone of our faith community for generations to come.