Did the vibrant tapestry of Seoul ever witness a church quite like the 서교교회? Nestled amidst the bustling energy of the city, 서교교회 stands as a testament to resilience and community. The year is 1970. The air crackles with anticipation as the congregation of 서교교회 votes to call a full-time pastor. Reverend Glenn Fuller answers this call, stepping into a role shaped by decades of shared leadership and missionary dedication. He guides the flock for three years, adding another layer to the rich history of this unique church. 서교교회 traces its roots back to 1885, a time when the whispers of “foreign devil worship” echoed through Seoul’s streets. A small gathering in June of that year marked the humble beginnings of what would become the oldest Protestant church in Korea. The church’s journey has been one of adaptation and perseverance. Meetings shifted from the American Legation to Pai Chai Hall, then to the Chung Dong Methodist Church and Ewha Hall, before finding a temporary home in Pierson Memorial. The search for a permanent sanctuary continued, leading them to Morris Hall and, later, the Salvation Army Headquarters. The turmoil of World War II and the Korean War forced evacuations and closures. Yet, each time, the resilient spirit of 서교교회 prevailed. Services resumed in homes, in temporary chapels, and eventually in the TaiWha Social Center, a haven of peace amidst the city’s reconstruction. Even amidst these challenges, 서교교회 embraced its wider community. The church took responsibility for the Seoul Foreign Cemetery, a poignant reminder of the lives intertwined with its own. Here, pioneers like Dr. John W. Heron, the first to be laid to rest, found their final peace. This act of stewardship reflected the church’s commitment to both the living and the departed. By 1985, 서교교회 had witnessed a century of growth and transformation. Its journey, marked by constant change and unwavering faith, stands as a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of Christianity in Seoul.
서교교회
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