The Story of the Rock House Desktop Calendar

How old is the Rock House Desktop Calendar? And where was it born? If you’ve heard of the Chi Lin Nunnery, the Chung Yuan Brewery, or Diamond Hill, you may have glimpsed its origin story. Outside the brewery were vegetable fields, and just beyond them stood a humble bungalow at 15 Diamond Road. This was the birthplace of “The Rock House Publishers,” as well as the ”manger” of the Rock House Monthly Wall Calendar and Desktop Calendar. In this modest home, my parents, Prof. Timothy Yu and Mrs. Helen Wang Yu, sowed the seeds of the Gospel through their literary ministry, reaching the Chinese-speaking world. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, the Rock House Desktop Calendar has grown steadily and is now 65 years old! We give thanks to the Lord for His grace and steadfast blessings.

From hand-set letter type and photo-typesetting to digital typesetting and today’s AI-driven designs, the calendar has witnessed the evolution of publishing technology while remaining true to its mission: to proclaim the Gospel to the Chinese-speaking world through the timeless messages of the Bible. This Traditional Chinese calendar continues to inspire hearts and share the hope of eternal life in Christ.

Recognizing the global reach of Simplified Chinese readers in mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia, and among overseas Chinese communities, The Rock House Publishers extended its mission in 2004. With the support of the Rock House Foundation, we partnered with the China Christian Council to publish the Simplified Chinese “Devotional Edition” of the Rock House Desktop Calendar. The Foundation generously provided the offset printing films for free, enabling this multi-functional calendar to be printed and distributed across mainland China for over 20 years.

A Richly Diverse Calendar Content

Each year, the Rock House Desktop Calendar offers fresh, engaging content that integrates daily living knowledge with Christian faith. The 2025 edition includes seven unique columns:

• Sunday: Biblical Vocations

• Monday: This Day in History

• Tuesday: English Insights

• Wednesday: Brain Teasers

• Thursday: World Heritage Sites

• Friday: Fascinating Animal Facts

• Saturday: Weekend Recipes

In addition to these features, the calendar also includes carefully curated Chinese and Western proverbs, important global and church dates, solar and lunar calendars, seasonal markers, and space for personal notes.

From early versions with metal holders and unbound inserts to today’s sleek, integrated desktop design, the Rock House Desktop Calendar has remained dedicated to nourishing both the spiritual and everyday lives of its readers. It helps them live out love and service, reflecting heaven on earth, and glorifying God’s name.

2025 Rock House Desktop Calendar