신애제일교회

Gazing upon Chungdong First Methodist Church, one can almost hear the echoes of history. This isn’t just any church. It’s a testament to resilience, a cradle of Korean Christianity, and a witness to the nation’s transformation. Chungdong First Methodist Church stands proudly as the oldest extant church in Korea. It’s the only church originally built in the 19th century, a remarkable feat considering the tumultuous times. Founded in 1885 by American missionary Henry Appenzeller, Chungdong First Methodist Church initially held services in a humble hanok, a traditional Korean house. This building, affectionately called “Bethel Chapel,” served as a spiritual haven for the burgeoning congregation. As the church’s influence grew, so did the need for a larger space. In 1895, construction began on a new building, also named “Bethel Chapel.” This new sanctuary, completed in 1897, is the very structure we admire today. Its simplified American Gothic style, with elegant arched window frames, reflects the architectural trends of the time. Chungdong First Methodist Church holds many “firsts” in Korean history. It hosted the first Methodist baptism in Korea in 1887. It established the first Christian women’s group in 1889. It housed Korea’s first pipe organ. It became the birthplace of several pivotal publications. These included Tongnip Sinmun, Korea’s first private newspaper, and The Korean Christian Advocate, the nation’s first Christian newspaper. The church even housed the first privately-owned printing press in Korea. Over the years, Chungdong First Methodist Church underwent changes, including an expansion in 1926 that transformed its cruciform layout into a rectangular one. But its core mission remained steadfast. Today, Chungdong First Methodist Church continues to serve as a vibrant center of faith. It offers services in both Korean and English, welcoming people from all walks of life. It also houses the Mangon Christian History Reference Room and a history museum, ensuring that the stories of the past are preserved and shared. Standing before Chungdong First Methodist Church is not just about admiring a historical landmark. It’s about connecting with the very soul of Korean Christianity. It’s about understanding the seeds of faith planted over a century ago, and how they blossomed into the vibrant community we see today.