>> History Before Saemoonan Church (1832~1886)

1832. 7.

Protestant Missionary Karl Gutzlaff first visited Korea

1866. 7.

Reverend Thomas died a martyr at the riverside of Dae-dong River

1874.

Reverend John Ross met a Korean at Goryeomoon

1877.

The first Korea grammar book《A Corean Primer》was published

1879.

Four members including Lee Eungchan and Baek Hongjun were baptized in Shenyang, China

1882.

The first Korean Bible 《Yeosu Syunggyong Nuga Bogeum Jeounseo》(The Gospel of Luke) was published and brought into Korea by Seo Sangryun, and it triggered the mission work

1884.

Sorae Church was established in Hwanghaedo and H.N. Allen, the medical missionary entered Korea

1885. 2.

Lee Sujeong published《Shinyak Maga Bogeum Syeonhei》(New Testament, The Gospel of Mark)

1885. 4. 5

Reverend Underwood entered Korea and started the mission work

1885. 4.10

Gwanghyewon, the Korea's first modern hospital was established

1885. 7. 2

The Sunday service began at Underwood's private residence in Jeongdong, Seoul

1887. 7.

Reverend Ross and other Koreans made a complete translation of the New Testament and introduced the [Yeosu Syunggyong Jeounseo] (all New Testament Books)

>> Reverend Underwood establishing Saemoonan Church and planted its root in Korea(1887~1916)

The first reverend, H.G. Underwood(1859~1916)

1884

Graduated from New Brunswick Theological Seminary

1885

Entered Korea as the first missionary

1886

Established Korea's first orphanage

1887.9.27

Established Saemoonan Church and served as the first reverend(~1916)

1887. 9.27

Reverend Underwood established Korea's first organized church with 14 members at Jeong-dong residence

           10. 2

Conducted first baptism

           10.

Underwood organized a board of Bible translators along with Henry G. Appenzeller

1888. 4.

Seo Byeongho was the first Korean to receive infant Baptism

           10.

Four female members were baptized for the first time

1889.

Reverend Underwood published [Korean-English Dictionary] and [Korean-English Grammar]

1891.9.

Sunday school was opened with 100 members and 43 students

1893.

Established a church in Gondanggol(current Seungdong Church), and opened Namdaemoon Mission Center Underwood published [Chanyangga] (Korean hymnal)

1894.

Established a church in Yeonmotgol(current Yeondong Church)

1895.

Constructed a new church building with 12 rooms(70㎡)across from Gyeonghuigung Palace with the offering

1896.8.

Established Jandari Church (current Seogyodong Church)

1898.

Organized the deacon board, youth group, and Women's Christian association (531 members and 215 students)

>> Saemoonan Church rising over the period of Japanese colonial rule with Reverencd Cha Jaemyeong
     (1920~1941)

The second reverend, Cha Jaemyeong(1881~1947)

1911

Served Saemoonan Church as the evangelist(until 1916)

1912

Appointed as elder

1916

Graduated from Pyeongyang Theological Seminary

1920

Appointed as the second reverend of Saemoonan Church(~1941)

1920.12.26

Reverend Cha Jaemyeong was appointed as the second reverend

1921.

English Bible study group was opened

1923.

The Christian Student Endeavor and the Christian Youth Endeavor was reorganized

1926. 8. 4

The first summer Bible school was opened(4 weeks)

1927.

Celebrated the unveiling of Underwood monument

1928.

Supported the China-Manchuria mission and the establishment of Korean church in Bongcheon Cha Jaemyeong published [The History of Chosun Presbyterian I] at Saemoonan

1929.

Sinmunnae(Saemoonan) Kindergarten was opened

1931.   

Saemoonan Church hosted the ceremony of the 30th anniversary of the foundation of Korean Youth Christian Fellowship

1932.10.13

Gyeongseong Presbytery was established at Saemoonan Church

10.30

The first issue of bulletin was published

1934. 6. 10

The first Sunday of June and Child's Sunday commemorative service was held(today's Children's Sunday)

1935. 4.

The 50th anniversary commemorative service of Rev. Underwood's mission to Chosun was held

1937. 9. 26

The 50th anniversary commemorative service of church establishment was held

1938~44.

The congregation was drastically reduced due to Japanese oppression

1940.

Anno Domini(A.D.) was forbidden in the church document, and Japanese era name(Sohwa) was used instead

1941.

Reverend Cha Jaemyeong resigned due to Japanese oppression

1942. 1.18

Reverend Park Hwaseon was temporarily appointed (served until 1943)

>> Saemoonan Church reorganizing with Kim Yeongju upon the independence of Korean from Japanese rule(1944~1950)

The third reverend, Kim Yeongju(1896~ ? )

1932

Graduated from the Theology College of Gansai University in Japan

1933

Served Namdamun church as evangelist

1944

Appointed as the third reverend of Saemoonan Church (~1950)

2008

Unveiled the monument in commemoration of martyrdom of Rev. Kim Yeongju

1944. 2. 6

Reverend Kim Yeongju was appointed

1945. 11. 30

Welcoming ceremony for the key figures of the provisional government and Elder Kim Gyusik who served Saemoonan Church

1946.

Construction of the church building was decided at the session

1948.

First four deaconesses were appointed (Kim Sunae, Kim Seongmu, Lee Seongsin, Park Youngsun) The rural enlightenment campaign and medical services was started (at Hangju Church located in Jido-myeong, Goyang-gun)

1949. 9.31

Extention of belfry church was started (space of 992㎡)

1950.

Reverend Kim Yeongju(martyr) and Elder Kim Gyusik were abducted by North Korea during the Korean War (1950.12. Passed away at Manpojin)

1951.

The church took refuge in Busan during the Korean War

12. 2

Reverend Kang Taeguk temporarily served the church (until 1955)

1953.10.

Commemoration service was held for the returning to the capital, Seoul

1954.

The underground church was established in Seungsanpo, Jeonnam

10.16

Reverend Choi Hwajeong was apoointed

>> Saemoonan Church opening a new chapter - Reverend Kang Sinmyeong (1955~1981)

 

The 4th Reverend Kang Sinmyeong (1909~1985)

1938

Graduated from Pyeongyang Theological Seminary / Was ordained as a minister

1949

Served Youngnak Church as a minister

1953

Received Honorary Doctor of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary

1955

Was appointed as the 4th senior reverend of Saemoonan Church (~1981) Christian books written by Reverend Kang Sinmyeong

1955.12. 1

Reverend Kang Sinmyeong was appointed Ordainment ceremony of Reverend Kang Sinmyeong

1957. 9. 27

Event was held in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the church's establishment

Bell of Saemoonan (1953~1973)

The "Bell of Saemoonan" was first placed at the belfry church which was extended in 1953, and was moved to the current site in 2003. This bell was purchased from a church in New York by Rev. James H. Underwood upon the request of Dr. Horce H. Underwood, and was sent to Korea by ship in the springtime of 1950, but was lost during the Korean War. It was then found in a storehouse in Busan in 1953. This bell was produced by Buckeye Bell Foundry in the US in 1893.

1957. 9. 30

The 1st Underwood Symposium was held

1958. 11

70 Years of Saemoonan> was published

1960. 2. 17

The 1st edition of <Saemoonan> was issued The cover of the 1st Underwood Symposium booklet (1957) / <70 Years of Saemoonan> / The 1st edition of <Saemoonan>

1962.  

Saemoonan Church children's choir (directed by An Iktae) participated in Seoul International Music Festival The 1st mission work briefing session (1960. 3. 27) / Seoul International Music Festival

1966. 2  

Saemoonan graveyard was acquired (30,000㎡, located in Goyang) 7 Reverend Woo Sangbeom was sent to Mexico as Saemoonan's 1st missionary dispatched overseas Reverend Woo Sangbeom with Mexican church members (man with a tie in the front row)

1967

University Students' Association was founded

          9.27    

Underwood Memorial Building (Education Center back then) was built (floor space of 1,157㎡) Members of Women's Mission Group attending the service in commemoration of groudbreaking of Underwood Memorial Building (1967.)

1968. 6.

Reverend Kim Eungsam provided support for the missionary sent to Taiwan

1972.11.26  

The current church building was constructed (in modernism style, floor space of 2,575㎡)

1973. 4.

<85 years of Saemoonan> was published The current church building (1972) / Consecration service / <85 years of Saemoonan>

1977.              

Saemoonan Dongsan Church was constructed

1979.              

Special offerings were made for the foundation of Mirueng Church in Saudi Arabia

            11. 3

Reverend Kang Sinmyeong prayed, representing the Christian community, at the state funeral of President Park Chunghee Prayer handwritten by Reverend Kang Sinmyeong

1980. 6. 1

Reverend Hwang Inki was temporarily appointed

            6.           

Reverend Kang Sinmyeong was inducted as Reverend Emeritus

            9.           

Gunsan Saemoonan Church was established in Gunsan, Jeongbuk

Saemoonan Church reviving and rising in the centenary year of its establishment - Reverend Kim Dongik (1981~1998)

The 5th Reverend Kim Dongik (1942~1998)

1970

Graduated from Graduate School of Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary

1971

Was ordained as a minister at Seoul Presbytery

1976

Received Doctor of Divinity at Divinity School of Vanderbilt University, US

1981

Was appointed as the 5th senior reverend of Saemoonan Church (~1998) Books written by Reverend Kim Dongik

1981. 4.25

Reverend Kim Dongik was appointed Ordainment ceremony of Reverend Kim Dongik

            8.          

Christian broadcasting was started

1986. 4.

Saemoonan Training Center (68,436㎡) was acquired and started to be used in July

          12. 19    

Saejindo Church was established and the service in commemoration of groundbreaking of the church building was held (the 100th anniversary project) The worship service in commemoration of groundbreaking of Saejindo Church building / In front of the signboard of Saemoonan Training Center (Reverend Kim Dongik on the left)

1987.

Missionaries Jo Junhyung and Lee Myeonghwa were sent to Thailand (~2013.12.22.) Saemoonan Presbyterian Church Historical Records was published / Women's Mission Group hosted the women seminar Saemoonan Presbyterian Church Historical Records Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary adopted the chair-professor system (in commemoration of Reverend Kang Sinmyeong)

9. 27     

The 100th anniversary commemorative concert - Mendelssohn's <Saint Paul> - was held in the assembly hall of (in the assembly hall of Ewha Womans University The 100th anniversary commemorative concert (in the assembly hall of Ewha Womans University)/ The 100th anniversary of the church's establishment

1991. 7.    

Constructed <Saemoonan Ark> and donated it to Seomseon Church

1992. 1.

Saemoonan Church provided support for the construction of a theological school building in Thailand Saemoonan Church Welfare Center (currently known as Saemoonan Church Social Welfare Foundation) was established

1994. 7. 3

Missionaries Jeong Gyuno and Yeon Seongsuk were sent to Russia

10. 9

The Second Education Center was opened

11. 27     

Thanksgiving worship service, inviting Vietnamese, was held (Vietnamese worship service started) Thanksgiving worship service with Vietnamese / 100 years of Saemoonan

1995. 2.16

Missionaries Lee Taehong and Kim Sukyeong were sent to Northeast Asia

10.   

<100 years of Saemoonan> was published

1996. 5. 7      

Lamphun Church in Thailand was founded

9.

Vladivostok Theological Seminary, Russia (Nahutka), was opened< Vladivostok Theological Seminary

1997. 5. 5

The new building of Saemoonan Training Center was constructed Saemoonan Training Center

9. 9

Saemoonan Nursery was opened

11. 16     

The first female elder of Saemoonan Church was appointed (Elder Hwang Gyeongwun)

1998. 2. 2  

Saemoonan Underwood Memorial Korean Church Music Educational Institute was opened

4. 5

Reverend Kim Jonghui was appointed as the interim officiant (served until 2000)

5. 15

Korea-Thailand Mission Center (Lamphun, Chiang Mai in Thailand) was consecrated

1999. 7. 23    

Missionaries Kim Jangwon and Ahn Imsuk were sent to Thailand

8. 25

Consecrated Vladivostok Theologidal Seminary, Russia, was consecrated

2000. 1. 1    

Saemoonan Church officially adopted the revised version of the Bible

>> Saemoonan Church establishing a tradition and reaching out to the world - Reverend Lee Sou-Young (2000~)

The 6th Reverend Lee Sou-Young (1946~)

1975

Graduated from Graduate School of Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary

1984

Received Doctor of Theology at University De Strasbourg, France / Served as professor at Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary

1998

Served as a permanent member of International Congress on Calvin Research

2000

Was appointed as the 6th senior reverend of Saemoonan Church (~present)

2000. 9. 17

Reverend Lee Sou-Young was appointed Ordainment ceremony of Reverend Lee Sou-Young

2001. 11. 4

The new church building (3 stories above, floor space of 1,365㎡) was constructed

12. 4

Korea-Thailand Christian Education Center (Saean Church, the house of peace) in MaeSuay, Thailand was consecrated Worship service in commemoration of construction of the new church building / Consecration of Saean Church / Foreign members listening to simultaneous interpretation during the service

2002. 6. 2

A Vietnamese reverend was invited to be in charge of the Vietnamese-language worship service / Korean-Vietnamese simultaneous interpretation started at the 5th main-service

8. 26

Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary adopted the chair-professor system (in commemoration of Minister Underwood, in commemoration of Saemoonan Church) Medical mission work in Thailand (2002.9.20.~24) / Medical mission work in commemoration of the 10th anniversary  of establishment of Vladivostok Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Russia (2006.10.3~7)

2003. 2. 9

The 1st female reverend of Saemoonan Church was appointed (Reverend Yang Haeran)

            4. 6

Saemoonan Presbyterian Church Historical Archives was opened (1st basement of Underwood Memorial Building) A special set of stamps was issued to mark the 116th anniversary of establishment of Saemoonan Church

2004. 2. 10

Missionaries Park Chul-Beom and Park Mi-Sun were sent to Thailand (returned on 2010.9.5.)

             5. 2

"Sunday Manna" worship service for the homeless people was started Started the homeless people welcome worship service

             5. 30

"Prayer for the country" was started

          10. 10      

The international mission conference (theme: Testify the Gospel to the ends of the earth) was held Saemoonan Presbyterian Church Historical Archives re-opened in 2006 (3rd floor of Underwood Memorial Building)

2005. 2. 5         

Missionaries Tae Won-Sik and Jeon Hyun-Ja were sent to Vladivostok, Russia (returned on 2009.3.29.) Reverend Kim Yeongju was acknowledged to be the martyr at the general assembly (memorial stone unveiled on 2008. 6. 8.)

            9. 4         

Exchange service was held between Chungdon First Methodist Church and Seoul Anglican Cathedral (10.16, 12.4) Reverend Lee Sou-Young during the exchange service at Seoul Anglican Cathedral / Underwood Education Center (consecrated on 2005. 10. 30.)

            9. 12       

Northeast Asia Immanuel Church was consecrated

          10. 30

Underwood Education Center was consecrated (5 stores above and 5 below, floor space of 4,192㎡)

2006. 9. 7

The worship service was held in celebration for Volgograd Culture Center, Russia Volgograd Culture Center / (Photo) Photos taken during the homecoming event and the service held in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of establishment of Vladivostok Presbyterian Theological Seminary (2006.10.3.~7)

            9. 24

The 91th general assembly adopted the re-translated Lord's Prayer

2007. 1. 29

Saemoonan Teachers Training Institute was established

            9. 23       

The worship service and events were held in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the church's establishment Commemoration service / Event held in the church's front yard

           11.26       

Saemoonan Volunteer Training Center was established

2008. 3.30-31  

The first Underwood International Symposium (hosted by the Underwood Memorial Association) was held

          10. 1          

Saemoonan Church decided to save 1% of the church budget for North Korea mission

        10. 11~12  

Saemoonan Church co-hosted Saemoongil Festival (an event jointly hosted by cultural organizations in Shinmunno, organized by Seoul Museum of History)

2009. 3. 2

Saemoonan Church decided to promote Saemoonan New Life Campaign following the 3million Disciples of Christ movement of the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church

           5. 27          

Saemoonan Church decided to support the chair professor at New Brunswick Theological School

           5. 27

Saemoonan Church decided to establish Saemoonan Academy

2010. 12.

The Korean version of Saemoonan Church deacon meeting report (1914~28) was published

2011. 1. 1

Sunday Schools (Elementary Ministry 1st~3rd/4th~6th, Middle School Ministry, High School Ministry) introduced and implemented an education system designed to bridge the generation gap

2012. 12. 27

Saemoonan Church finalized the basic construction drawing of the new church building and acquired the construction site

2013. 6. 1.

The commemorative concert was held, celebrating the 100th anniversary of establishment of Saemoonan Choir