In 1961, a small seed of faith was planted in Guro 3-dong. This seed blossomed into what we now know as the Cheonjugyo Guro 3-dong Catholic Church, or 천주교 구로3동 성당. Look around you. Feel the presence of history within these walls. This church wasn’t always the grand structure you see today. It began as a mission in the tumultuous post-Korean War era. The area, then part of Siheung-dong, saw the establishment of a public worship center in 1940. Later, in 1952, a temporary worship center was formed, solidifying the growing Catholic presence.
As Guro 3-dong developed, the need for a dedicated church became clear. With the support of the Archbishop of Seoul, land was secured and construction began. The church’s first mass was held in December 1961 under the leadership of Father Park, marking the official birth of Cheonjugyo Guro 3-dong Catholic Church. The community quickly embraced the church, which became a beacon of hope and support during a time of rapid social and economic change. The original church building could accommodate 1,400 people. Two nuns and one priest served the growing congregation.
Over the years, Cheonjugyo Guro 3-dong Catholic Church expanded and flourished. In 1963, Father Lee Si-do became the church’s first official priest. In 1968, Father Choi Jae-seon became the second priest. Then in 1969, the church underwent a significant transformation. The original Cheonjugyo Guro 1-dong Catholic Church was separated, leading to the renaming of this location as Cheonjugyo Guro 3-dong Catholic Church. Further expansion occurred in 1994 with the appointment of Father Hong Bu-hee as the ninth priest, and again in 1999 with Father Kim Jeong-soo as the tenth. Today, the church boasts fifteen organizations dedicated to various community outreach programs. In 2016, the current priest, Father Park Pil-beom, continued this legacy of service. He offers mass every weekday at 6:30 am and 9:00 pm, as well as on Sundays at 7:00 am and 9:00 am. Cheonjugyo Guro 3-dong Catholic Church stands not just as a place of worship but as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Guro 3-dong community.