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The American
South Methodologist Association ,which sent missionaries
to Korea upon the request of Yoon, Chi-Ho, one of
Korea's leading intellectuals during the enlightenment
period of the late Chosun Dynasty, worked to spread
the Gospel in Seoul and Gaesung. Kwangheemoon Church
was the second church set up in Seoul by the Association
which became the origin of Kwanglim Church.
Christians gathered in Kwangheemoon Church to praise
and worship God before and after the Korean War
and over time as the congregation grew they agreed
to build a branch church because the church was
too small to accomodate its growing members. In
1953 the members of Kwangheemoon gathered at the
Goga temple to hold an inauguration service for
the establishment of the branch church.
The joy of worshipping in a new location didn't
last long, however, since they had restrictions
because the space was not entirely at their own
disposal. The members prayed and asked God to allow
them a space where they can worship freely and in
November 14 1954, after several rounds of donation,
the members broke the ground for the construction
of a new church building.
During this period the church was renamed as Kwanglim
using the two letters each from the name of the
neighborhood it was located: Kwangheemoon and Ssanglimdong.
Biblically the name comes from the Book of Exodus
chapter 3 'the flames of fire from within the bush'
which translates as 'the Burning Bush Church' in
English. |
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Pastor
Min, Yung-shik, the first senior pastor, made great
contributions in pioneering and constructing the
new church but retired in 1959 before the completion
of the construction. He was succeeded by Pastor
Han, Sae-Hong who for 2 years worked to complete
the church and to start the construction of the
pastor's residence building. Finally in December
1960, after 7 years from breaking the ground, the
church was completed and grew in number with over
200 registered congregation as of late 1959.
Pastor Cho, Wha-chul came as the 3rd senior pastor
in 1961. He served the church devotedly and after
4 years and 3 months since he took office the church
celebrated it's 10th anniversary in great joy and
happiness. Pastor Kim, Yong-Ryun came next and served
for 5 years and 5 months between 1965 and December
1970.
During the initial
period 50 small group ministry members from 4
different district areas (Kwanghee, Jangchung,
Shindang and Chongro) worked ardently for the
construction of the church which consisted some
6 departments grouped by age: Adult group, adolescent
group, high school group, middle school group,
elementary group and children group. The church
grew and in 1957, which is 4 years after it's
foundation, 800 Whan was collected as Sunday offering
in the children group and some 316 students were
registered in the Sunday Bible School in 1960.
Choir members
also grew in number and gave great joy to the
congregation with their wonderful hymnals. In
1954 the Women Missionary Society was established
with 27 members who worked to enlighten the people
with modern thinking and with faith introducing
new ways of life.
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