“This is the Yingguang Church” I announced to the group. “A place steeped in history and faith”.
The Yingguang Church also known as the Fuxing Church or the Sichuan Methodist Mission Church stands proudly in Chengdu. It’s one of the city’s most significant Christian churches. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith.
Our story begins in 1891. A group of Canadian Methodist missionaries arrived in Chengdu. Among them were Virgil Chittenden Hart a seasoned missionary and George Everson Hartwell. They purchased land. They began their mission. They established the church in 1894. The church’s architect was Walter Small. His design reflects a simple Gothic style.
The early years weren’t easy. The church faced opposition. It suffered damage during the anti-Christian movement of 1895. It was rebuilt the following year. Further challenges came with the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. The church was damaged again. Undeterred the congregation rebuilt it yet again. This time larger to accommodate 300 people.
Over time the Yingguang Church grew. It became a center of the community. It expanded its services. It built a hospital. The hospital was instrumental in providing healthcare. It later became the Second People’s Hospital of Chengdu. The church also established a school and other community programs.
The church’s congregation flourished. This led to a major expansion project around 1920. They built a new sanctuary. This new structure could accommodate one thousand worshippers. Its architecture was a simpler Gothic style. It showcased the church’s commitment to serving the community.
The Cultural Revolution of 1966 brought another period of destruction. The church was badly damaged. It was occupied and its activities were halted. It wasn’t until November 25 1984 that repairs started. Finally the church reopened on January 1 1989. It has continued serving its congregation and community since.
Today the Yingguang Church stands tall. A symbol of resilience and unwavering faith. It stands as a visible reminder of a long and often challenging history. It’s a remarkable place of worship. It’s a significant piece of Chengdu’s heritage. It’s a testament to the power of faith to overcome adversity.