새누리교회

From a small gathering of fourteen souls in 1887, Saemoonan Church blossomed. It became a beacon of Christianity in Korea. Today, we stand before the sixth incarnation of this historic sanctuary. Saemoonan Church is not just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s often called the “Mother Church of Korean Protestantism”. It’s a title earned through its pioneering role in Korean Christianity. The church’s founder, Horace Grant Underwood, wasn’t just a missionary. He was a visionary. He also established institutions like Kyungsin High School and Middle School, Yonsei University, and Severance Hospital. These establishments are cornerstones of Korean education and healthcare. Saemoonan Church’s history is intertwined with modern Korean history. Prominent figures like Kim Kyu-sik, Ahn Chang-ho, and Choi Hyeon-bae were associated with the church. Their contributions shaped the nation’s trajectory. The current chapel, completed in 2019, is a marvel of modern architecture. Designed by Lee Eunseok, it stands with a unique facade. Some say it resembles a mother’s arms spread wide. The design garnered attention for its unconventional form and community spaces. However, the church significantly altered Lee Eunseok’s original vision during construction. Ironically, the preserved exterior facade earned international acclaim. The interior, however, sparked debate. Some critics feel it doesn’t harmonize with the striking exterior. Others are simply grateful that some of the original design survived. They believe it enhanced the cityscape. Despite the controversies, the sixth chapel has accumulated numerous architectural awards. It won the Cultural Architecture category of the Architecture Master Prize in 2019. It was a finalist for ArchDaily’s Building of the Year in 2020. It also received the Jury Award in the Architizer A+ Awards. In 2021, its image graced the cover of Phaidon’s “The World’s Best Architecture”. Saemoonan Church’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The appointment of Reverend Lee Sang-hak as senior pastor in 2017 caused internal conflict. His dissertation on “Sin and Salvation Based on the Han Experience of Koreans” also sparked controversy. His interpretation of salvation as healing, rather than a judicial process, challenged traditional views. Despite these hurdles, Saemoonan Church continues to stand tall. It remains a vibrant hub for worship and community. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith, resilience, and the evolving landscape of Korean Christianity.