Whispers of faith echo through these walls. This is Saemoonan Church. Right here stands Korea’s first organized church a testament to unwavering belief.
Founded on September 27 1887 by Reverend H G Underwood Saemoonan Church began humbly. Fourteen baptized Koreans joined Underwood for the first service in a Chungdong home. One person was baptized that night. Two were appointed elders. This small gathering marked the beginning of Christianity’s organized presence in Korea.
Early services were held in a traditional Korean house. This was located in front of Underwood’s own residence. As the congregation grew a larger building was needed. The church relocated to a new site near Gyeonghui Palace. The current City Bank building now occupies that space.
In May 1910 Saemoonan Church moved to its present location. This signifies a pivotal moment in the church’s history. From this point Saemoonan expanded its reach. Branch churches were established across Seoul and the surrounding Kyeonggi area. Saemoonan played a crucial role as the mother church. It nurtured and guided new congregations.
The church faced many challenges. Reverend Kim Yeongju the third reverend was tragically abducted to North Korea during the Korean War. Despite this setback Saemoonan persevered. Under the leadership of subsequent reverends the church thrived. It experienced revivals of the Holy Spirit. Its influence expanded through various ministries. These included volunteer services medical missions and evening educational programs.
The H G Underwood Memorial Hall a significant addition was constructed in September 1967. It serves as a lasting tribute to the church’s founder. The building we see today was completed in November 1972. This was a time of significant growth for Saemoonan. Its history was documented in “85 Years of Saemoonan Church” published in April 1973.
Saemoonan Church continues to play a vital role in Korean society. Its legacy as the first Christian church in Korea endures. It stands as a symbol of faith resilience and lasting impact. Saemoonan has always been more than a building. It is a living community of faith. This community continues to spread the gospel of hope and love. Let us reflect on its rich heritage. Let’s appreciate its ongoing contributions.