“Did you know the Korean Catholic Church was founded by lay people?” asks a voice. Here we stand before the Church of the Korean Martyrs. It stands as a testament to faith.
This church embodies the vibrant spirit of Korean American Christianity. It serves as both a worship center and a vital community hub. Many Korean Americans identify as Christians. A large percentage are evangelical Protestants.
The evangelical revival started in Flushing by Korean Americans. Every morning, they gather for Scripture reading and prayer. This dedication signifies their serious commitment to their faith.
In New York City, a significant portion of Korean Americans identify as Christians. They mostly identify as evangelical Protestants. There are many Korean American Christian churches. They form independent ministries in the Flushing area.
Let’s step back in time to understand the roots of this strong faith. In the mid-1960s, the First Congregational Church hosted a Korean American church. Pastor Jin Kwan Han led this congregation. Around the same time, Koreans working at the 1964 World’s Fair stayed in Queens.
In 1969, twenty-four people started the Korean Church of Queens. It was under the sponsorship of the Korean Church and Institute of New York. Founded in 1921, the Manhattan church promoted Korean independence.
By 1971, Korean Americans had founded six churches in New York City. Most were in Queens. This marked the start of a rapid increase in Korean American churches. The years between 1971 and 1990 saw peak Korean immigration.
One group of Korean Americans began meeting in 1973. By 1983, they founded the Korean American Presbyterian Church of Queens. Many more churches were founded in the 1970s and 1990s. By 1980, more Korean Americans lived in Flushing than anywhere else in Queens.
St. Paul Chang Ha-Sang became the first Korean American Catholic parish in New York City in 1987. It later moved to Flushing in 1990. The church is named after a martyr. He was killed in the early 1800s for his faith.
These churches are like families. For those without cars, church vans provide transportation. These rides create bonds among congregants. They become “sacred friends” who support each other.
Inside, you might find personal church mailboxes. Prayer starts immediately and continues for hours. Men often hold leadership positions. Women are busy organizers. In larger churches, activities create a vibrant atmosphere.
Standing together, congregants find support. The church provides care during life’s challenges. Members have directories with contact information. Pastors and elders visit homes. Small groups meet for dinner, prayer, and Bible study.
The whole church is invited to mission trips and family retreats. Sundays feature Korean comfort foods like kimchi and rice cakes. The elderly receive special attention. Korean Parents’ Day is celebrated with cards and gifts.
Holidays reinforce church togetherness. March 1 marks Independence Commemoration Day. August 15 is celebrated as Restoration Day. Sermons and Sunday school shape behavior and attitudes.
Pastors often address immigration challenges. They offer advice on adjusting to America. Some believe immigration is God’s divine providence. This gives confidence to pursue business ventures. Success requires devotion and moral integrity.
Churches are communal centers. They are focal points of daily life. However, Korean Americans are now moving out of Flushing. Many still commute back for church. Others attend churches closer to their new homes.
Some younger Korean Americans found multi-cultural churches. This generation is known as “God’s whiz kids”. The church has a rich history. It continues to evolve and adapt. It addresses the needs of its community.
The Church of the Korean Martyrs embodies this journey. It preserves faith. It fosters community. It honors the sacrifices of those who came before. It ensures that their spirit endures.