“Was it just yesterday?” you wonder. A century of history is etched into the very stones of Changdae Church. It stands here a testament to faith and resilience.
Changdae Church has weathered storms that would have crumbled lesser institutions. Its story began humbly. It blossomed from the seeds of compassion sown by the Australian Presbyterian Mission.
In October 1909 the mission established the Sangae Rest Home in Busan. This was a haven for Koreans. They often received little help. The adjacent hospital became known as Sangae Hospital. The church within the hospital was called Sangae Rest Home Church. This marked the humble beginning of what would become Changdae Church.
The hospital provided free medical care. It addressed basic needs for those who had nowhere else to turn. Missionaries also preached. They shared a message of hope. It offered spiritual solace to those seeking comfort.
In 1911, Australian missionary MacAngus took over the hospital. He dedicated himself to missionary work. His family fostered gospel outreach. They also focused on medical missions in the Busan and Gyeongnam areas.
The church thrived. It had about 650 members. Sangae Rest Home embodied love and devotion. In 1929, Son Yang-won became a preacher. He helped Koreans. But in 1941, World War II cast a dark shadow.
As Japan’s enemies included the US, Great Britain, and Australia, things got complicated. The church faced an existential threat. It had to relocate. Its members scattered. The church was forced to close.
Yet, the spirit of Changdae Church was not easily extinguished.
In 1945, with support from Gyeongnam Province, the church was rebuilt in Busan. It was then known as Bakae Rest Home Church. The church moved again in 1946. It reclaimed its original name Sangae Rest Home Church.
The Korean War brought further turmoil. But the congregation persevered. They clung to their faith. They rebuilt their community. In 1964, the church established Saebit Christian Daycare Center. It embraced children with wounded hearts.
Changdae Church faced relocation again due to development plans. A new location was secured in Jeonggwan. The church was completed in 2004.
In 1986, the church changed its name to Sangae Church. Later, in 2006, it adopted its current name Changdae Church.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary on October 9, 2009, Changdae Church stands tall.
As you stand here today, remember the generations who built this church. They persevered through war and hardship. They sought to spread love and compassion. Changdae Church embraces its history. It looks forward to a future.