Did you know Saemoonan Church is the oldest established church in South Korea? It’s right here before us a testament to faith resilience and history.
Saemoonan Church wasn’t always this grand structure. Founded in 1887 by Horace Grant Underwood an American missionary it started small. Underwood a remarkable man also founded Underwood School now Kyungsin High School and Middle School. He also established Yonhi College now Yonsei University and Severance Hospital. His influence extended far beyond the church walls. He laid the foundation for many prominent institutions in Korea.
Think about that for a moment. This very church witnessed the birth of Korean Protestantism. Imagine the fervent prayers the quiet dedication the unwavering belief that filled this space in its early days. It served as a beacon of hope during times of uncertainty. Prominent figures like Kim Kyu-sik Ahn Chang-ho and Choi Hyeon-bae were associated with Saemoonan Church. Their stories are intertwined with the church’s history. They played crucial roles in shaping modern Korea.
The church has seen many changes over the years. It has gone through six different chapels. The current chapel a marvel of architectural design opened in 2019. Architect Lee Eunseok designed it. The design is unusual. Some say it resembles a mother’s arms spread wide. It’s a modern building with plenty of community space. Interestingly the church significantly altered Lee’s initial design. Ironically the exterior facade that remained from his original plan brought the building international recognition.
The construction of the current building wasn’t without its difficulties. There was significant modification to the interior. This caused some debate within the architectural community. Some believe the building would be better if it followed the initial design. Others are grateful some of the original design was retained preserving the cityscape. Regardless the chapel has won several prestigious architecture awards. It’s a stunning building a worthy testament to the faith it houses.
The appointment of the current senior pastor Lee Sang-hak also caused some controversy. He left his previous church Pohang Cheil Church without prior notice. This shocked his congregation. His explanation that it was God’s will didn’t satisfy everyone. This incident sparked discussions about transparency within the Korean church’s pastoral call system.
Lee Sang-hak’s doctoral dissertation also created debate. He argued for a shift from a punitive view of salvation to one of healing. He felt the traditional model negatively impacted those who experienced han deep-seated grief or resentment. His use of the term “illegitimate child” in a sermon concerning Jesus’ birth further fueled controversy. Saemoonan Church requested an investigation from the Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary.
Saemoonan Church’s history is far more than bricks and mortar. It’s a story of faith perseverance influence and even controversy. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of Korean Protestantism. As we stand here today we stand on sacred ground. The legacy of Saemoonan Church continues to shape Korea.