How did Oryu-dong Seongdang begin? This church in Seoul started as a mission in 1957. It belonged to Sosa Main Church back then.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine a small group of believers. Only about ten people. They traveled to Sosa Main Church for Mass. A priest named Father Yun Eul-su guided these believers. He helped establish the Oryu-dong mission.
However things changed in 1965. The Inbo Seongchae 수도회 moved. The Oryu-dong mission then joined Dangsan-dong Main Church. The believers continued their faith. They gathered in a small building. It was managed by the Dongjeong Seongmo Association.
The number of believers in the Oryu-dong area grew. A need for their own church arose. The parishioners bought land. It was 450 pyeong. In 1968, the mission grew. It became Oryu-dong Main Church. Father John Dunnigan became the first pastor.
Father Dunnigan started building a church. It took much effort. The believers sacrificed and helped. They completed the 49 pyeong church. It was dedicated on December 21st.
In 1972, Father Kim Soo-gil bought land. He expanded the rectory. He also built a 25 pyeong education center. It was used for various educational activities.
Father Choe Ik-cheol opened a mission in Gaebong-dong in 1976. It provided a base for expanding the parish.
A new church building project began. There were some issues. Construction stopped temporarily. Support funds from the 교황청 helped. Construction finished in 1978. The dedication took place on September 23rd. The Gaebong-dong mission became Gaebong-dong Main Church. Father Jeon Chang-mun was appointed.
Oryu-dong Church developed. It launched a neighborhood association. It started a senior citizen’s college.
In 1979, Father Hong In-soo became the pastor. He organized a reading group for housewives. He formed the “Seongmo Association”. They focused on evangelism and 봉사 activities.
In 1980, catechism classes opened. Bible lectures started too. These helped believers learn their faith. A senior citizen’s group formed. It was called “Bedro Association”. The church renovated in 1980 and 1981. It refreshed the building’s appearance.
Father Im Deok-il led the 레지오 Mariae activities. He established the first Curia. He built a 회관. It included an education center, rectory and 수녀원. 수녀 김영희 became the first director.
By 1990, Father Yeom Soo-wan expanded the office. He opened a consultation room. It helped the believers. He reorganized the parish. It had 15 districts and 158 sections.
In 1991, he bought 185 pyeong. It was for the Go척-dong 분할. Father Lee Jae-eul was appointed.
In 1994, Father Yu Won-bong separated the Sugung-dong parish.
Father Han Sang-man supported the “Love Sharing Urban Garden 가꾸기” movement. In 1999, he held short-term 예비자 catechism. In 2000, he completed the education center. He also opened a “Mujigaechui Sunday School” for disabled students.
Since then Oryu-dong Seongdang has become a beacon of faith for the community. It offers prayer and outreach. It supports the local people through education and 봉사. The church continues to grow and serve.