중랑제일교회

Gazing at Chungdong First Methodist Church, imagine stepping back to 1885. A small hanok, a traditional Korean house, stood on this very spot. It was purchased by an American missionary, Henry Appenzeller, for a fledgling Methodist congregation. This humble hanok, known as Bethel Chapel, marked the beginning of Chungdong First Methodist Church’s rich history. Chungdong First Methodist Church proudly holds the title of Korea’s oldest Protestant church. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the intertwining of Korean and Western cultures. The church witnessed many historical firsts. The first Methodist baptism in Korea took place here on July 24, 1887. In 1889, it fostered the first Christian women’s group in Korea. It housed the first pipe organ, filling its hallowed halls with sacred melodies. The current building, also called Bethel Chapel, was completed in 1897. It’s the only church in Korea originally constructed in the 19th century. This architectural gem, designed in a simplified American Gothic style, stands as a symbol of cultural exchange. The church’s influence extended beyond religious services. It became the headquarters for several groundbreaking publications. These included Tongnip Sinmun (Korea’s first private newspaper), The Korean Christian Advocate (Korea’s first Christian newspaper), and The Korean Repository (Korea’s first English-language monthly magazine). The church even acquired Korea’s first privately owned printing press, further solidifying its role in the dissemination of information and ideas. In 1926, the church underwent expansion. It transformed from a cruciform structure to its current rectangular form. Bricks were thoughtfully used in the expansion to preserve the original building’s integrity. Today, Chungdong First Methodist Church continues to serve as a vibrant spiritual center. It holds services in both Korean and English, welcoming a diverse community of worshippers. It also houses the Mangon Christian History Reference Room and a history museum, offering glimpses into its remarkable past.