Graceway Hayward Christian Church
A Century of God’s Faithfulness

Graceway Hayward Christian Church began in 1929 as San Lorenzo Holiness Church, founded by Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) who first gathered in homes. The Shinoda family donated land from their nursery, which became the site of the church and parsonage for more than 30 years. On October 13, 1929, Rev. Juji Nakada, Bishop of the Japan Holiness Church, dedicated the church, with Rev. George Yahiro serving as its first pastor. Early ministries included Sunday School, women’s prayer groups, and the first baptisms of Nisei (second-generation believers).

The church closed during WWII when Japanese Americans were relocated to internment camps. In 1945, Rev. Daniel Shinoda and others helped rebuild the congregation. The post-war years brought growth through Sunday School, youth groups, and women’s and men’s ministries. In 1949, the church dedicated its first sanctuary—completely debt-free.

The church expanded its facilities, developed strong youth ministries, and launched outreach in Campbell, Mt. View, and Walnut Creek. In 1977, ministry in Walnut Creek grew into the Japanese Church of Walnut Creek. During this time, the church also supported global missions and raised up new leaders.

In 1981, the church became San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church. Small group ministries began in 1985 and flourished. New buildings were dedicated in 1988 and 1995. The church also helped plant the Fremont Asian Christian Church, which became a full member of the OMS Holiness Conference in 2000.

After a period of tribulation, the church entered a new season of growth with a multi-staff ministry team. In 2017, under the leadership of Rev. Rod Yee, the GROW SANLO campaign was launched with a vision to be “a gospel community of growth for every generation” and to pursue a larger facility.  In 2023, the church entered into contract to sell its San Lorenzo location to a Chinese Christian church called Crosspoint.

By God’s grace, after 10 years of waiting, the church experienced what it called “a front seat to a miracle”—a new debt-free home in Hayward. In April 2025, the church moved into its church facilities at 354 B Street and 335 A Street. That summer, the church sharpened its mission statement to be “a gospel centered community of discipleship for every generation.”

In September, the congregation adopted its new names: Graceway Hayward Christian Church and Graceway Japanese Christian Church, marking a new chapter of discipleship with a dual name to reach both English speaking and Japanese speaking communities with the gospel of Christ.

Through every season—founding, war, rebuilding, growth, transition, and renewal—God has remained faithful, raising up leaders, blessing ministries, and calling new generations to Christ.

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together.