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

Rev. 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 in navigating the transition and inspiring the congregation. 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 prompted the church to seek a new location. Ultimately, the current site on George Street was chosen.

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

The Asian ministry began in 1964, when a Chinese Sunday School started meeting in the shop at the Palmer House (Jarvis Centre), forming 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.

A Cantonese afternoon service was commenced in the late 1980s.

Central Baptist Church officially commenced a Cantonese service at 9 am, while maintaining the 11 am English service.

A Mandarin service started on 2 February 2003, reflecting the growing diversity and needs of the Chinese-speaking community in Sydney.

Thai ministry began with about 15-20 Thai people worshipping in the English service and 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, 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.