“Who knew faith could build such strong foundations?” That’s what you might ask yourself as we approach \uc77c\uc554\uc7a5\ub85c\uad50\ud68c. This church is more than bricks and mortar. It represents a long history of Presbyterianism in Korea.
Let’s delve into that history a bit. The story of Presbyterianism in Korea begins in the late 19th century. Korea, once known as the “Hermit Kingdom,” slowly opened to the world. Treaties with Japan and the United States paved the way for foreign missions.
Horace Allen, a medical doctor, arrived in 1884. He wasn’t officially a missionary at first. Allen’s medical skills soon gained him favor. He treated a wounded prince. This led to the opening of a Royal Hospital under Allen’s supervision.
Another key figure was Horace Grant Underwood. He arrived in Seoul in 1885. Underwood initially assisted Allen. He also focused on spreading Christian evangelism. These two men are revered by many Korean Presbyterians. They are seen as founders of the church in Korea.
The Presbyterian mission expanded quickly. It grew from one doctor to a church with baptisms, medical programs, and educational initiatives. Not everyone welcomed this growth. In 1888, the Korea Foreign Office banned Christian teachings. Despite opposition, the mission cautiously pushed forward.
Cooperation marked the development of Protestant Christianity in Korea. The Southern Presbyterian Church sent missionaries in the 1890s. Horace Underwood played a key role in this. Inspired by Underwood, seminary students volunteered. The Underwood family even donated $3,000.
In 1893, Presbyterian groups agreed to form one native church. They aimed for a Presbyterian form of government. Medical missions were vital. Mattie B. Ingold, a physician, arrived in 1895. She focused on women and children.
Translation work was key. Missionaries used the simple Korean script “Eunmun”. This allowed them to reach a wider audience. Bible classes also became popular. Underwood started them in Seoul in 1890.
Nurturing Korean Christian leaders was crucial. Presbyterian missions emphasized local leadership. They wanted Koreans to direct and fund their own ministries. By 1930, there were many American missionaries and Korean Presbyterians.
The Presbyterian Church of Korea faced challenges during the Japanese occupation. Japanese officials pressured Christians to worship at Shinto shrines. Most Presbyterians refused. They closed their mission schools in 1937.
In 1940, Japan forced most missionaries to stop their work. Japanese authorities arrested ministers and Christian leaders. Some died in prison. Mission personnel began evacuating Korea.
After World War II, Korea was divided. The Korean War brought further devastation. Churches in North Korea were destroyed or seized. In South Korea, Christianity flourished. US Presbyterian missionaries continued to work with Korean Christians.
The Presbyterian Church of Korea has faced schisms and challenges. Yet it remains a vital part of Korean society. \uc77c\uc554\uc7a5\ub85c\uad50\ud68c stands as a testament to this enduring faith. It reminds us of the resilience and dedication of those who built and sustained Presbyterianism in Korea.