A humble service in June 1885 marked the genesis of Seoul Union Church. This wasn’t just any church. It was the very first Protestant church in all of Korea. Imagine the courage it took to hold those early services. Signs warned of death for practicing foreign faiths. Yet Dr Horace Allen’s diary entry for June 28 1885 tells of that first service. Dr and Mrs Herron the elder Mrs Scranton and his wife were present.
Seoul Union Church’s early years were a journey of faith. Pastors served without pay. The location changed constantly. Yet the congregation persevered. Regular Sunday meetings continued until 1940. War loomed. American and British officials urged their citizens to leave. On November 16 1940 216 missionaries sailed from Inchon. The church continued meeting until December 7 1941. World War II began the next day. A classroom at the Methodist Seminary became their sanctuary.
After the war missionaries returned. By summer 1947 over 50 were back in Seoul. The need for an English service was clear. So Seoul Union Church resumed its services. Dr William E Scott became pastor. His condition was that either he or an associate would lead services. Before this the service varied. The speaker of the day ran everything. This new system brought unity.
The Korean War brought further upheaval. Missionaries evacuated again. Seoul became a ghost town. In 1952 services restarted in homes. By 1954 the TaiWha Center provided a space. The church thrived there until 1979. In 1985 an agreement provided a permanent home. The Seoul Foreigner’s Cemetery welcomed the Memorial Chapel. But in 2007 the property was seized. Seoul Union Church was forced to find a new home.
Seoul Foreign School briefly hosted the congregation. Then Yonsei University’s Seminary Chapel opened its doors. Seoul Union Church has adapted over the years. Its location has changed. But its mission has remained steadfast. It serves as a beacon of worship and community. A testament to enduring faith and resilience. Even today Seoul Union Church continues its vital work. It is a living legacy a vibrant community. The oldest Protestant church in Korea refuses to grow old.