Glorious Sky Church

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Chiang Mai, a beacon of faith stands tall: the Glorious Sky Church. Let’s journey back to 1867, a pivotal year for Christianity in Northern Thailand. An American Presbyterian missionary, Daniel McGilvary, and his family arrived in Chiang Mai after a three-month boat journey from Bangkok. This marked the beginning of the Laos Mission. Remember, Northern Thailand was then known as “Laos”. The Glorious Sky Church, also known as the First Church of Chiang Mai, wasn’t built overnight. McGilvary initially held services in a thatched-roof dwelling. As the congregation grew, services moved to a larger house, then to the unfinished girls’ mission school. This school later became the Dara Academy. The need for a dedicated church became evident. In 1888, McGilvary commissioned Marion Alonzo Cheek, a former missionary turned businessman, to design and build the new church. Cheek, with his timber trade experience and a sawmill in Chiang Mai, was the perfect choice. He used teak wood, readily available from his sawmill, to construct the weatherboard church. The Glorious Sky Church, completed in 1891 at a cost of $7,000, stood as a testament to their dedication. It was the first church built in Northern Siam, a landmark achievement. Imagine the dedication ceremony led by McGilvary, a moment of profound significance. The Glorious Sky Church served the community until 1968. Then a new church opened on Charoen Rat Road. While no longer used for regular services, the Glorious Sky Church remains a place for Christian instruction. Its historical significance continues to resonate, a silent witness to the growth of Christianity in Chiang Mai.