“North Church.” That’s the literal translation of Beitang cathedral’s Chinese name. It stands as a testament to faith, resilience, and architectural grandeur in Beijing.
Beitang cathedral, also known as the Church of the Saviour, is a historic Catholic church in the Xicheng District. It’s one of Beijing’s most ornate and magnificent cathedrals. But its story is far more captivating than its beautiful facade.
The story of Beitang cathedral began in 1703. The Jesuits first established it near Zhongnanhai. The Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty gifted the land in 1694. This followed his recovery from illness. Fathers Jean-François Gerbillon and Joachim Bouvet provided medical expertise. The emperor even hand-wrote the calligraphy plaque. It was named “Saviour Church” and opened on February 9, 1703.
But the church’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. Anti-Catholic forces clashed with the Church during the Qing dynasty. By 1827, the Qing government seized Beitang cathedral. They confiscated all its property. It wasn’t until after the Second Opium War that the land was returned. Bishop Meng Zhensheng rebuilt it in 1864. He chose a tall Gothic style at the original site.
In 1887, the Guangxu Emperor requested its relocation. He needed the original space near the Forbidden City for Zhongnanhai Park. The cathedral was rebuilt at its current location. The present cast iron Gothic architectural style was completed in 1890. Bishop Pierre-Marie-Alphonse Favier, a Lazarist missionary, designed it.
Beitang cathedral endured the siege during the Boxer Uprising. From June 14 to August 16, 1900, an estimated ten thousand Boxers attacked. Metropolitan Banner Manchus also joined the attack. Qing Manchu Prince Zaiyi’s bannermen led attacks. Manchu official Qixiu also led attacks. Bishop Favier led the defense. Over 3,900 people sought sanctuary within its walls. This included about one hundred Europeans and 850 orphans. Only forty-one French and Italian marines defended the church. They were led by two French officers. The Japanese military finally lifted the siege on August 16, 1900.
The interior was decorated in 1909 by Alphonse Frédéric De Moerloose. He was a Belgian missionary priest and architect.
Today, Beitang cathedral stands as the Cathedral church of Beijing again. It’s affiliated with the Patriotic Catholic Church of China. The church stands in spacious grounds. Pine and oak trees surround it. Two Chinese pavilions stand in the courtyard. It’s a place of worship and a symbol of cultural exchange.
Take a moment to appreciate the grey marble facade. Imagine the countless prayers whispered within these walls. Think of the lives saved during times of conflict. Beitang cathedral isn’t just a building. It is a living testament to faith, history, and the enduring spirit of Beijing.