Chae Yu-lim Shrine, Ojwa-dong (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)	Marker Plaque in Hangul, Ojwa-dong (Chae Yu-lim Life Story) (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)
Marker at Chae Yu-lim Shrine, Ojwa-dong (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)	Shrine Gate, Chae Yu-lim Shrine, Ojwa-dong (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Local History: Chundo-kyo (Eastern Learning) Church to be Torn Down Another forgotten bit of Songtan trivia was torn down in May 2006. Located next to the Shinjang 1-dong House Office was a small building up on a little knoll. The doors were locked and the sign over the front door was bent. Anyone would pass this building without ever paying attention to it. It was torn down and the knoll leveled for a new road that went down the hill. But what was this building?

Chundo-kyo (Eastern Learning), Songdan-kyoku Church (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Chundo-kyo (Eastern Learning), Songtan-kyoku Church (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

St. Theresa's Middle School (1957) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

Father Dominicu teaching in Rectory (1952) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

The building was erected in 1953 and called "St. Theresa Middle School" -- and is the predecessor of the present Hyomyung Middle School. (NOTE: It appears that the date of the official opening of the structure by Bishop Paul M. Rho is used as the founding date of the Hyomyung Middle School. The Hyomung Middle School was founded on 21 May 1953 -- and followed by the Hyomyung High School on 21 May 1956. The school's first classrooms at its present location about a quarter-mile down the road from the Seojong-ni Catholic Church was built in 1960, but it wasn't officially moved until 1964.)

(L) Seojong Catholic Church Parking Lot (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (NOTE: Site of St. Theresa's Middle School in 1953.) (R) Seojong Catholic Church (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

St. Theresa's Middle School. Fr. Dominicu in center. (1953) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory (1956) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory (1956) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 26 Feb 1957, the Hyomyuing High School created with three classes. On this date, the first principal Kim Kyang-ha took control acting both as a teacher and principal. On 10 Feb 1960, Hyomyung High School year graduated its first class of 24 boys and 9 girls.


(L) St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory. Fr. Dominicu in center. (1958) (R) St. Theresa's Middle School Class (1959) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


St. Theresa's Middle School in front of church rectory (1959) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

From 15 Mar 1960 to 20 Dec 1960, construction took place to build 10 classrooms (903.57 sq meter). This is the location of the present school and operated as an annex of the main school remained at the Seojong-ni Catholic Church.


Hyomyung Middle and High School building ceremonies with Church and K-55 dignitaries. Father Dominicu as Principal presiding. (1960) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


Hyomyung Middle and High School building ceremonies with Church and K-55 dignitaries. Father Dominicu as Principal presiding. (1960) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


(L) 10 classroom building (NOTE: Now high school administration offices.) (R) Hyomyung Middle and High School building ceremonies with Church and K-55 dignitaries. Father Dominicu as Principal presiding. (NOTE: Notice the lack of buildings around the school.) (1960) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 18 Dec 1962, Hyomyung High School became "Hyomyung Shiop High School" (trade school) with three classes. On 15 Oct 1963, a sports room was constructed for judo.

On 1 Mar 1964, the classrooms were "officially" moved from Seojong-ni Catholic Church to present location. In 1952 they first built the classroom at Seojong-ni Catholic Church and they had playground. In 1960, they built the classrooms where they are now, but there was no playground. During breaktime, they went to the Seojongni Catholic Church to use playground until a playground could be constructed. In 1964, ceremonies was held to dedicate the new construction on the playground.

On 10 Oct 1965, a wood-working building (mok-kong jang) was constructed. From 15 Sep 1966 - 17 Nov 1967, they built 20 more classrooms (2023.5 sq meters). On 5 Oct 1967, three electrical classes were added.

On 20 Nov 1968, three machine shop classes were added. On 20 Dec 1968, a family building (kajong-kwan) was built with an area of 573.4 sq meters. The 1st floor was 284.9 square meters, while the 2nd floor was 288.5 square meters.


(L) Business Class (1960) (R) Drafting Class (1967) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


(L) Surveying Class (1967) (R) Wood working Class (1967) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


(L) Electrical Class (1970) (R) Surveying Class (1970) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


(L) Wood-working Class (1971) (R) Electrical Class (1971) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


(L) Machine Shop Class (1971) (R) Sewing Class (1971) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 1 Apr 1969, the second principal Kim Woo-yong took over. On 30 Jun 1969, classrooms were constructed at the first gate that encompassed 2024.4 sq meters. The 1st floor had 275.76 sq meters; 2nd floor 867.66 sq meters; and 3rd floor 480.96 sq meters. On 22 Nov 1969, the school name was changed to "Hyomyung Chonghap Kodung Hakkyo" (General High school) which synthesized the classes. Three regular classes were added.


(L) Hyomyung girl students (1967) (R) Hyomyung students in Seojong-ni (1970) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


Class Roll Call (1970) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 3 Jun 1972, a new school building (ji hae-kwan) of 1110.44 sq meters was constructed. The 1st floor was 555.22 sq meters; and the 2nd floor was 555.22 sq meters. On 5 Dec 1972, electrical classes increased. On 1 Nov 1974 Machine shop classes were increased to 6 classes.

On 29 Jul 1975, a "special study room" on 1st floor made 849.30 sq meter for Science course work. On 24 Nov 1975, the woodworking classes were terminated and electrical classes increased to 6 classes. There were 3 business classes and 6 machine shop classes.

On 7 Sep 1978, an outdoor amphitheater was constructed that seated 5000 people. The pine trees that covered the area was not disturbed and the land was leveled with the help of the K-55 heavy equipment. The base also assisted in the construction of the amphitheater. The stand of pine trees in the amphitheater are the amongst last that once covered the entire Songtan area -- and from which the city gets its name: song (pine) and tan (charcoal).


(L) Construction of tennis courts (R) Construction of Amphitheater (1978) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 19 Oct 1979, the business classes were terminated. There were now 9 middle-school classes and 3 machine shop classes. On 3 Jun 1980, there were 3 machine shop classes, 6 electricity classes, and 12 middle school classes. On 1 Jun 1983, a "special study area" was constructed with a total space of 893.7 sq meters. The 2nd floor was the library.


Amphitheater Sports Awards Group (1985) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 1 Sep 1986, the third principal Yi Jung-taek took over. In 1990, there were only three types of classes. On 19 Sep 1990, there were 6 machine shop classes; 6 electricity classes; and 12 middle classes. On 1 Sep 1986 start built two special classrooms for weightlifting (208.5 sq meters) and completed on 23 Dec 1986.

From 1 Jun 1987 to 1 Oct 1987 the construction of new library (209.34 sq meter) took place.

From 19 Jul 1991 to 30 Jun 1992 the school built 6 more classrooms and 3 more toilets (1101.6 sq meters).

From 28 Oct 1992 to 30 Dec 1993 the school built 27 more classrooms (2786.4 sq meters).

On 1 Mar 1994, the fourth principal Fr. Kim Bong-hak (Bauro) took over. On 2 Jun 1994, a machine room area was made with total area of 3104.75 sq meters. The 1st floor had 1135.75 sq meter; 2nd floor 1124.50 sq meter; and 3rd floor 844.50 sq meter. On 1 Oct 1994, a student dormitory (ki-sik sa) was constructed with a total area of 475.24 squ meter. The 1st floor was 237.62 sq meter and the 2nd floor was 237.62 sq meter.

From 11 Sep 1995 to 20 Dec 1995 the school built 3 more classrooms and one more bathroom (259.2 sq meter).

On 5 Jul 1996, teacher housing (sataek) was constructed with total area of 120.96 sq meter. On 24 Mar 1996, display rooms were constructed with a total area of 1296 sq meter. The 1st floor had 486 sq meter; 2nd floor 486 sq meter; and 3rd floor 324 sq meter.


New Construction at Hyomyung High School with Bishop Kim presiding on dedication (Jul 1996) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 10 Jan 1997 the demolition of 30 classrooms no longer used.

From 1 Aug 1997 to 20 Dec 1997 built 7 classrooms (780.3 sq meters).

In 1999, a cafeteria was constructed with a total area of 1002.6 sq meter. The 1st floor had 923 sq meter and the 2nd floor had 179.6 sq meter.

On 19-20 Jun 2001, national Catholic student meeting was held at Hyomyung Middle & High School. On 28 Feb 2002, the KBS "Golden Bell" program -- a student knowledge-based contest -- was televised from the school. On 1 Jun 2002, a 192.9 sq meter sports building was constructed.

On 1 Jul 2002 the school built 6 more classrooms and 3 bathroom (841.52 sq meters).

On 30 Oct 2002 the statue of the virgin Mary was moved outside. In 1960 they built an alcove for the statue on the building above the entrance. In 1997, the building was demolished and the statue moved inside. In 2002, it was decided that the statue should be moved outside in front of new building to inspire the students passing by.


(L) Statue of Mary above entrance and relocated (1970-2002) (R) Statute relocated (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 13 Feb 2003 construction started in front of the library to build 6 more classrooms and 2 more bathrooms (841.52 sq meter). On 20 Feb 2003, the school held its 44th Anniversary as a trade school. Up to 2003, the school had graduated 12,155 pupils. On 10 Apr 2003, the school electrical system was upgraded to 900kw. On 22 Apr 2003, the Kyonggi-do trade students held their competition at the school. On 21May 2003, Hyomyung Middle School celebrated its 50th anniversary.


(L) Old building (R) New Building Construction: 1st flr sports room; 2nd flr computers (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

From 28 Nov 2002 to 14 Nov 2003 the construction of the new gym hall (2300.5 squ meter) was undertaken. Using metal beams and concrete, the total area was 696 pyeong. First floor was 1583.5 sq meters (480 pyeong). 2nd floor 717 sq meter (216 pyeong). First floor used for baseball and office, bathroom, electric room, shower room, dressing room and 1000 moving seats. Second floor 1008 balcony seats, store rooms and multi-media room. The shared cost for the construction was Kyonggi-do Province gave 400 million won; Kyonggi Education Hall gave 500 million won; Pyeongtaek City gave 700,000 million' and School paid 700 million won. Total cost was 2.3 billion won ($2.3 million). On 6 Nov 2003, the Gym was rededicated as the Kwangamkwan Bldg -- the 50th Anniversary Gym.


New Gym Construction under construction (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


50th Anniversary Gym entrance (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

15 Sep 2003 they improve the drainage of the playgrounds. In the past, they had problems with flooded grounds that prevented activities. Added soccer fields and baseball.


Playground Drainage Project (2002) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

On 17 Feb 2005, the 50th class graduated from the Hyomyung Middle School -- a total of 16,219 students from its beginnings. On 28 Feb 2005, the Dominiku Building was erected in honor of Father Dominicu (1918-1977).

The Hyomyung High School will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007 (instead of 2006) according to the Vice-Principal of Hyomyung Middle School, Mr. Kim Jong-youp and Ms. Choi Jeong-min, a school English teacher who acted as translator.


Hyomyung HS & MS (2003) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


Hyomyung HS & MS (2003) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

Hyomyung High School (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Amphitheater Hyomyung Middle School (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Hyomyung Middle School (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

---

Local History: Seojong-ni Catholic Church (St. Theresa's) (1932) The church activities for the area during the Japanese colonial period was centered in the Seojong-ni area. The Seojong Catholic Church (St. Theresa's Church) was first founded in 1937 near the Seojong-ni Train Station. Catholicism had taken root in the Jinwi-Pyeongtaek area in the 1780s so there was a strong following present in the area.

Background of Catholicism in Pyeongtaek area One of first Koreans baptized was Yi Sung-hyun (Peturo - Peter). At that time, Catholicism entered Korea from China and the closest seminary was in Macao. In 1789, Yi Sung-hyun came to the Pyeongtaek Hyeungam area and worked to convert people. He later went to Pyeongtaek-gun, Paengsong-baechuri. He is credited with the start of the Roman Catholic faith in the Pyeongtaek area. (Source: Seojong-ni History.)

Yi Sung Hyun, among the first Catholic converts in 1783 (Pyeongtaek City) (Source: Pyeongtaek History (CD), Pyeongtaek Si Sa)

Yi Sung Hyun in Catholic Cemetery in Pyeongtaek (Pyeongtaek City) (Source: Pyeongtaek History (CD), Pyeongtaek Si Sa)

Catholic Meetings 1791. (Pyeongtaek City) (Source: Pyeongtaek History (CD), Pyeongtaek Si Sa)

But the Roman Catholic faith would fall on hard times of religious persecution in the 1800s. During the 19th century both European and western traders began looking to the Orient as fertile grounds for commerce. In 1844 the U.S. Congress considered, then tabled, a motion to open trade with Corea. Over the following 20 years however, the Orient was subjected to increased, though unwanted, interest from foreign shipping and trading concerns. On March 31, 1854, the United States and Japan signed the Treaty of Kanagawa, opening Japanese ports to American ships. Six years later the French and British invaded China, seizing the capitol at Peking. While the Chinese fought to hold their capitol, Russia moved in from the east to easily grab 350,000 square miles of Chinese lands in the Ussuri territory. On the Corean peninsula the Choson people watched the western incursion into the Orient with fear and concern.

Persecution of Catholics in Korea The year 1864 brought a change of leadership to Corea when Ch'olechong, the 25th king of the Choson Dynasty, died without leaving a male heir. In accordance with her rights under custom and law the queen mother took possession of the king's seal, the symbol of enthronement. After consulting with her advisors and statesmen she adopted Kojong, the second son of Yi Ha-ung. Kojong was only thirteen years old when he ascended to the throne, and in his place his father, Yi Ha-ung, ruled the Choson Kingdom.

Adopting the title Taewongun, literally interpreted "Prince of the Great Court", Yi Ha-ung became one of the strongest leaders of the Choson Dynasty during a critical period of trial, crisis, and increased interest from abroad. In the name of his son King Kojong, the Taewongun initiated his best efforts to bring harmony to the kingdom, while resisting any influences from the outside world. He quickly recognized that treaties with western nations would most probably be one sided, as had been the treaties signed with Japan and China. These would benefit no one but the westerners. (The term "Westerner" not only applied to nations of the western hemisphere, but also those of Europe which was also west of Corea.)

Taewongun also firmly believed that the foreign missionaries with their Christian teachings were diluting the kingdom with unwanted ideas. Under King Ch'olechong persecution of Christians in Corea had eased for the first time in the kingdom's history. The Taewongun's efforts to return his country to the traditions of Confucianism ultimately led to the death of nine of the twelve French Catholic priests in Korea, and nearly 10,000 of their native converts. Accounts of the executions relate the public spectacle of the beheading of the priests.

The year that Westerners called "1866" was known as "Byung-in" in Corea, a country that had now become known as "The Hermit Kingdom" because of its strong policies of isolationism. In Byung-in a series of events set in motion the unwanted intrusion of foreign nations on Corean soil. These would eventually topple one of the world's longest lasting ruling dynasties. In Byung-in the French invaded Corea in what became known as the Byunginyangyo...."Western disturbance" yangyo in the year byung in. (Many historical references translate the Korean characters for that year with the Romanized letter "P", referring to the year as pyong and the French invasion as Pyonginyangyo.)
,br> During the Taewongun's February 1866 crackdown on the spread of Catholicism in his kingdom, three priests managed to escape to China including Father Felix-Clair Ridel. Upon learning of the fate of the Catholics in Corea, French consul Gabriel Deveria boarded the gunboat of Rear Admiral Gustav Roze, commander of the French empire's Far Eastern Squadron. Roze immediately cancelled plans to sail for Nagasaki, while Ridel forwarded the sad news on to the French diplomat in China, Henri de Bellonet. On July 13 Bellonet sent a dispatch to Admiral Roze informing him: "In receiving the news of the general massacre of Christians and missionaries in Corea, you have no doubt thought like myself that the slightest delay in the punishment of this bloody outrage could result in serious endangerment to the 500 (other) missionaries preaching in China." (Source: Home of Heroes: Korea 1871)

Martyrs in Korea There were terrible purges along the way. There are 103 martyrs in this group, priests, missionaries and lay people who died in the early days of the Church in Korea. Most were murdered during waves of persecutions in 1839, 1846 and 1867. One of these martyrs in 1846 was St. Teresa Kim Im-i. (Source: Catholic Forum.)

St. Teresa Kim Im-i (1811-1846) As a child, Teresa Kim Im-i, born into a Catholic family of Seoul, Korea, loved to read the lives of the saints and longed to imitate them. At the age of seventeen, she resolved to dedicate her virginity and the rest of her life to God, devoting herself to acts of piety and charity. Seventeen years later, she became a maid in the household of Korea's first native priest, (Saint) Andrew Kim Tae-gon. Aware of the ongoing danger of persecution in her country, Teresa told her sister, "If the Father (Father Kim) is imprisoned, I wish to follow his example, even if I have to give myself up voluntarily, so do not expect to keep me long in this world." In June of 1846, Father Kim was arrested by the pagan authorities. A month later, Teresa was arrested with three other women at the home of the Catholic layman, (Saint) Charles Hyon Song-mun. In prison, the four women refused to deny their faith, despite repeated tortures. Teresa encouraged the others to resign themselves to the will of God. On September 20, 1846, four days after the martyrdom of Father Kim, Teresa was beaten to death, one of seven executed that day. Catholic.org

The Seojong-ni Catholic Church History In 1914, Jinwi-gun became Songtan-myeon, Pyeongtaek-gun. In 1938, Seojong-ni became part of Pyeongtaek-gun. At first there was no church in the area and Fr. Chae Pyong-nam (Benedicto) had responsibility for the entire area covering Pyeongtaek-shi, Shinjang-1 dong, Deogok-dong, Songbuk-dong, Jisan-dong, Jinwi-myeon, and Seotan-myeon. There were a total of 3,430 catholics in the area (male: 1,465 and female: 1,965) from 1,376 Catholic households.

Father Molimard (Joseph) (b.1897) was the first priest of the Seojeong-ni church. Fr. Molimard was a Frenchman who came to Korea in 1925, He spoke Korean fluently. For a time, he worked in Hwanghae-do, Anak, Naehwa-dong. In 1926, he went to Suwon until 1928 when he moved to a build a church in Pyeongtaek. At the beginning of 1930, only one or two people were converted to Roman Catholicism in the Pyeongtaek area. Thus after he built the first Pyeongtaek Church, he turned to converting more residents to Catholicism.

In Seojong-ni in 1932, there were only one or two Catholic households, but by 1934, 150 people had been converted to Catholicism. After the 150 people were converted, Fr. Molimard built the first Seojong-ni Catholic church. He received money from believers' donations and bought 400 pyeong of land on a hill near the Seojong-ni train station. In May 1934, Fr. Molimard built the temporary mudwattle and thatch-roofed rectory in the traditional Korean style and he also built a small 37 pyeong church. In 1934, the head of the Jesuit teaching order, Fr. Larribeau, in Seoul visited every weekend held a mass in Seojong-ni for the believers until 1938. Fr. Molimard had the responsibility for ministering to the entire area covering Shinjang-1 dong, Deogok-dong, Songbuk-dong, Jisan-dong, Jinwi-myeon, Osan-eup and Seotan-myeon. After Fr. Molimard converted 600 people, the Seojong-ni church became a true parish.


First Seojong-ni Catholic Church (1934) (Seojong-ni Catholic Church History)

In May 1934, they built a more substantial 65 pyeong rectory, Work was started on building a 100 pyeong church on 29 Sep 1934. The rectory stood at the gate of the church at the base of the small hill and the church was located at the top of the hill.

In Oct 1938, Fr. Molimard bought 3000 pyeong of ground and built a permanent 100 pyeong red brick church and 55 pyeong rectory. The original church is now the Church kindergarten.


Seojong-ni Catholic Church and Rectory (1952) (Seojong-ni Catholic Church History)


Seojong-ni Catholic Church and Rectory (1957) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

After Fr. Molimard was retired in Aug 1948, Fr. Cleary (Patricio) was assigned to the church as the second parish priest. Fr. Cleary suffered through the ravages of the Korean War as the North Koreans swept through the area in 1950. The rectory was destroyed because of the War and no records remained of the church history. Only the church survived.

By 1952, the Korean War had settled into a stalemate along the DMZ. In Jul 1952, Fr. Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu) (1918-1977) was the third priest of the church and a new rectory was built. He was interested in educating the people and in 1952 started teaching children sitting on the floor of the rectory.


Father Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu) (1952) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


Fr, Dominicu at Communion (1952) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


Father Dominicu teaching in Rectory (1952) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

From the History of the 18th FBW (1 Jan 54 - 30 Jun 54), the initial funding of $6,000 and donations of time and effort for the construction of the furniture was solely due to the Catholic personnel on K-55 base. The project was initiated by Wing Chaplain Major George M. Rinkowski in cooperation with Fr. Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu). With the funds, a 75 pyeong structure was built. Maj. Rinkowski rotated to the states in Apr 1954. (Source: History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing 1 Jan 1954 to 30 Jun 1954, Office of the WIng Chaplain.) The first St. Theresa's Middle School (Hyomyung Citizens' Highschool) was founded on 21 May 1953 and located where the church parking lot is today. Fr. Ryu Su-cheol became the first principal of the Hyomyung Middle School on 21 May 1953.


St. Theresa's Middle School (1953) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))


St. Theresa's Middle School (1957) (Hyomyung 50th Anniversary Book (2003))

The HQ FEAF, 5th Air Force news release on 22 Jan 1954 read in part: "The airmen of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing provided materials and finances for a new eight-room country school house near Osan for 280 Korean grammar school children. While Korean builders speeded the construction of the new building, men of the 18th Wing utilized their off-duty time in the base hobby shop making 90 double desks and 140 double seats needed for the students."

The first teachers in 1953 were Yi Seok-chong, Pak Dae-yong, Pak Gi-ho, An Chong-ho, and Pak Dae-seop. (Source: Hyomyung 50th Nyeon Sa (50th Anniversary Edition)) On 7 Jan 1954, Bishop Paul M. Rho (Rho Ki-nam) , Bishop of Seoul, dedicated the building. After that 12 Jul 1954, the Korean government approved the founding of the Hyomyeong Middle School. The school house at the church was expanded to a 285 pyeong 8-room wooden structure with the aid of additional funds from the K-55 Catholic airmen.

On 2 Apr 1955, there was a large ceremony when the building was started on the new school grounds south of the church. The Hyomyeong high school was established on 21 May 1956 as a trade high school. Then it became a general high school teaching a synthesis of subjects. Fr. Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu), in addition to his work as the parish priest, was also the first principal and chaplain of the Hyomyung Middle School from 21 May 1953 to 31 Aug 1955.

In 1957 the new construction of the Hyomyung Middle & High School was started. The K-55 Airfield Installation Operations (AIO) catepillars and bulldozers were used in leveling the land for the construction. When the new two story concrete structure was completed in 1958, a dedication ceremony led by Fr. Ryu Su-cheol and attended by church officials and K-55 dignitaries. The Hyomyung Middle School principal was Kim Woo-Ryong who served from 2 Jun 1957 to 15 Apr 1969. (See Hyomyung Middle School for details on the school.)

In Jul 1954, Fr. Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu) built a 15-pyeong religious meeting hall at Hwaewha-ri. In Mar 1956 he bought 5500 pyeong of land to make a Catholic cemetary in Jangdang-dong. At the same time in 1956, he built a religious meeting hall at Awyan-ri.

Fr. Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu) of the Seojong-ni Catholic Church wanted to make a church in Songtan so on 14 Aug 1954 he bought 845 pyeong at 338-3 punji (address), Shinjang-ri, Songtan-myeon. The land was just above the rail spur to K-55 that ran along the base of Hobak hill. This is now the Songtan Catholic Church. (SITE NOTE: The church was founded until 22 Aug 1965 at 338-8 punji (address), Seojong-dong, pon-dang, Pyeongtaek-shi. The original church is what is now the office and rectory areas. The building has been modified to house the office and rectory of the church. SEE Songtan Catholic Church (Saint Andrew's Church).)

On 26 Feb 1957, the Hyomyuing High School was created with three classes. On this date, the first principal Kim Kyang-ha took control acting both as a teacher and principal. On 10 Feb 1960, Hyomyung High School year graduated its first class of 24 boys and 9 girls.

In Jan 1961, Fr. Kang Hwan-yoo (Johan) became the fourth parish priest. Fr. Yun Byeong-hi (Baoro) took over in Jul 1961 as the fifth priest. On 7 Aug 1961, Legion of Mary (Legio Mariae) was started. (SITE NOTE: The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, with well over 3 million active members in almost every country of the world in 2006. It has been approved by the last 6 Popes, and was endorsed by the Second Vatican Council. The main purpose of the Legion of Mary is to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members. Members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. Works include door-to-door evangelization, parishioner visitation, prison ministry, visitation of the sick or aged, crowd contact, religious education, visiting the newly baptized, Pilgrim Virgin Statue rotations, and meeting the other spiritual needs of the parish community. Legionaries are under the guidance of a spiritual director named by the pastor. The Legion is, in essence, an extension of the heart and hands of the pastor. (Source: Legion of Mary.)

On 18 Dec 1962, Hyomyung High School became "Hyomyung Shiop High School" (trade school) with three classes. On 15 Oct 1963, a sports room was constructed for judo.

On 3 Jan 1963, Fr. Kim Deok-jae [Chirill-ro) took over as the sixth parish priest -- as well as chaplain of the Hyomyung Middle & High School. Kyeong Hak-su (Johan) became the chairperson for the church. In Oct 1963, Seojong-ni church and other Kyonggi-do churches were previously in the Seoul diocese, but were moved to the Suwon diocese.

In Oct 1964, Hyomyung Middle School building was 22 pyeong. They bought an additional 3000 pyeong of ground at the Hyomyung High School location.

In Jul 1964. the Osan-eup (town) area had 5 religious meeting buildings and 1242 believers, so it was decided that a new church in Osan was justified and a new parish was set up by splitting them off from the Seojong-ni parish. On 22 Aug 1965 the Songtan Catholic Church (St. Andrews) was founded and it too was split off from the Seojong-ni parish. As a result, the Seojong-ni Catholic Church parish shrunk in size until it only represented the believers in the Seojong-ni area.

On 7 Oct 1968, Fr. Ryu Jin-son (Leo) became the seventh parish priest of the church -- as well as chaplain of the Hyomyung Middle & High School. In Sep 1969, he bought 91 pyeong for the espansion of the church grounds. In 1969, "Forever Help" (Yongwan Han Doeum) group of sisters came to assist in the teaching at Hyomyung Middle and High School teachers. The sisters were housed in the now vacant building used for the old Hyomyung Middle School.

In Jul 1970, Fr. Jang Gun-gu (Christomo) became eighth parish priest. He asked the "Sangi" sisters group to come to the school. In Jun 1974, sisters arrived at the church to assist in the teaching duties for the Hyomyung Middle and High School. The sisters lived together in the old delapidated school house on the church school grounds that was first built in 1953. The Kim Jong-jun (Johan) took over as the manager for the church affairs.

On 28 Jul 1972, Fr. Kang Ju-hwi (Bangracio) became the ninth parish priest. In 1972, the Jwakyo-ri religious meeting hall was built. On 12 Jul 1972, there were 25 households with 254 people in the parish. A meeting hall was constructed through the 2 million won in donations from Shindang-dong parish, Wangship-ri parish, Sangdo-dong parish and Seojong-ni parish. In addition, people labored without pay to construct the hall.

On 24 May 1975, Fr. Jo Hwan-gyu became the tenth parish priest.

Anseong Middle & High School's Fr. Han Jong-hoon (Stephano) worked at the church on the weekends and then on 23 Mar 1977 became the eleventh parish priest of the church. He commissioned the statue of the Immaculate Mother Mary -- that still remains in front of the church -- as well as the garden area of the church.

On 18 Jun 1981, Fr. Choi Kyong-hwan (Matea) became the twelfth parish priest. He was also chaplain for the Hyomyung Middle & High School. In Dec 1981, he built the new housing for the sisters and remodeled the rectory.

On 12 Mar 1982, Fr. Bae Yun-hyun (Dominico) became thirteenth parish priest. In Jun 1982, Moon Gok-ri meeting hall which 25 houses with 113 people. Tanhyun-ri meeting hall turned into the Songsa Church. In Aug 1984, they built the Sunday School building. At that time there were 2019 people in the congregation and 8 meeting halls in the area.

On 21 Dec 1984, Fr. Kim Chun-ho became the fourteenth parish priest. However, eight months later he went to the Sakang University. On 20 Aug 1985, Fr. Han Bong-ju (Keullaeto) became the fifteenth parish priest. Jagyo-ri meeting hall with 68 believers moved under the Pyeongtaek parish.

On 24 Feb 1988, Fr. Im An-gi (Anduraea) became the sixteenth parish priest. Unfortunately, the sisters of "Forever Help" left because there was a disagreement over the operations of Hyomyung Middle & High School. On 1 Sep 1990, the church made a new branch hospital for the Me Ri-mae sisters group who replaced the "Forever Help" sisters.

On 17 Jun 1989, a new building expansion was dedicated. At the first steeple in built in 1934, they held the 60th anniversary celebration of the first church in Pyeongtaek in 1928 by Fr. Molimard -- the first priest of the Seojong-ni Catholic Church. Jesuit Fr. Kim Nam-su (Angelo) took part in the celebration. (SITE NOTE: On 28 Apr 1983, Fr. Kim Nam-su (Angelo) built a 380 pyeong church at Songsau, Pondang for the 1,280 believers in the area.)

In Sep 1989, work was started for the concrete construction of a new 1000 pyeong church building. Basement was for the building's electrical and support equipment and mortuary rooms. There were three floors containing office and meeting rooms, eating room, praying room for Mary, baby room, choir room. They also remodeled old church building for use as a Sunday School -- and later would become the Theresa kindergarten.

Catholic sisters housing remodeled. On the exterior of the church, a cross was added so it could be seen from the road. Saint Theresa statue made in US added to the church and a new church door was added. The grounds were landscaped. The total cost of the new church was 3 billion won ($3 million). All church people had bazaars and sales to earn money to repay the loans. Other church donated money to the Seojong-ni church but there still was a large loan to repay.

On 16 Jan 1991 the church started an prison outreach program (Gurea).

On 15 Jan 1992 Jan 15 Lee Hwo-jin (Matea) became a father. On 2 Feb 1993 Fr. Woo Chong-min (Dominico) constructed a new church. In Songtan City, there were only three Catholic churches at the time in Seojong-dong, Songsau and Songtan. In 1992 planning started to erect a home (Joseph House) for senior citizens without a family to care for them. On 27 Sep 1992, the business manager had a car accident and one person died.

On 3 Feb 1993, Kim Hak-moo (Segayohan) became the seventeenth parish priest. During 1993, the church continued to its efforts to help the poor. In Mar 1993 two Gurea prison outreach programs served two prisons with worship meetings and youth group service interactions. 5 Oct 1993 was the date set for the celebration of the founding of the church. In 1993, two radio broadcasts were done from the Pyeonghwa Studio.

In 1993, Montesori teaching methods started in the St. Theresa Kindergarten. The old teaching rooms were demolished and 100 pyeong of space rebuilt.

(Source: Seojong-ni Catholic Church History (1938-1993) and Daily History (-2006).)

Seojong Catholic Church (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Seojong Catholic Church Dayschool (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Seojong Catholic Church Parking Lot (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (NOTE: Old location of St. Theresa's Middle School. (1953).)

Seojong Catholic Church Old Church on hill (2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

---

Local History: Jwadong Methodist Church (1953) The Jwadong Methodist Church sits at the top of the ridge along Terminal Ridge Road (with the express bus terminal at the bottom). The Church has been in the same location since 15 Oct 1953 -- though it has undergone reconstruction over the years from a wood structure to a concrete building to the modern multi-story church today. In Feb 1980, they built a new church on the spot where the present church is located at 768 Jisan-dong, Songtan City; and in 1996 it underwent a major renovation. In 2004, the Jwadong Education Center with its parking lot was opened across the street. The church no longer commands an uninterrupted view as when it was first built in 1953 standing alone at the top of the hill. Now Songtan has literally grown up around it as it has become the center of activities for its congregation of 900.


(L) Jwadong Methodist Church (R) Jwadong Methodist Education Center (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)


(L) Entrance to church worship area (R) Church Office at Street Level (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)


Jwadong Methodist Office Staff: (L) Shim Sun-sok (R) Chan He-ok (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

The Methodist Church has been in Korea since the 1880s, there were many obstacles during the Japanese colonial period. After all, they became one as the autonomous Chosun Methodist Church under Korean management on 2 December 1930. After the liberation from Japanese colonial pressure on August 15, 1945, the Korean Methodist Church suffered from division for a few years, but it was reunited in 1949 when Rev. Kim, Yoo-Soon was elected as bishop. However, with the break-out of the Korean War on June 25, 1950 the Korean Methodist Church had to go through a time of severe hardship. Many church leaders including Bishop Kim were either kidnapped or executed by the North Korean Army, and many church buildings were destroyed. (Source: The Korean Methodist Church.)


Blowup of Aerial Photo of Jwadong and Jijangdong areas. (1952) (51st FW Photo)

In 1952 as the Shinjang Road was still under construction. Chicol-ni (Chicolville) had not yet started to expand -- and the massive influx of North Korean refugees seeking work had not started. In the aerial photo above, there are two intersecting lines to the right. The line that runs left-right in the upper right hand corner is the Shinjang Road. This intersects in an "x" with the railspur that leads to the Bravo Gate area of the K-55 base. The curved line that intersects both the Shinjang Road and the railspur is the Kyongbu Railroad. One can follow the Kyongbu Railroad to the left running parallel with the MSR-1 (Main Supply Route 1). The Shinjang Road touches the right edge. This is the old Mokchon railroad crossing where the Shinjang Road joins the MSR-1. The MSR-1 runs from there to the left where it passes Jwadong and then Jijangdong at the lower left corner. The Jwadong Methodist Church had not been built when this photo was taken. If one goes to the curve of the MSR-1 that is the top of the hill. The 1977 Overpass was built from the point where the Kyongbu Railroad and railspur connect. If you draw a line parallel to the Shinjang Road, it will intersect the MSR-1 at the hill where the Jwadong Methodist Church would be built. The original structure was built along the path that led down the hill.

Prior to 1952, prayer meetings were held in various houses in the Jwadong area, but no denomination or group name was assigned. According to Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992), Rev. Choi Hak-seong met with Chaplain Feine from K-55 to discuss starting a Methodist church in 1952. On 15 Mar 1952, a meeting was held at the home of An Choon-ja that was attended by Choi Hak-seong and ten other members to discuss the formation of a church. On 17 Sep 1952, they formed the Jwadong Methodist Church (Jwadong Kamri Kyohwi) -- also called the Weslyan Church (Weslieum Kamuri Kyohwi). Kim Gi-hyuk became an elder. (NOTE: The Methodist Church is a denomination derived from the Wesleyan revival of the Church of England stressing personal and social morality. The strongest Methodist church in the world is probably now in South Korea. There are many Korean-language Methodist churches in North America catering to Korean-speaking immigrants, not all of which are named as Methodist. There are several denominations which are of Wesleyan/Methodist heritage, but not explicitly Methodist.)

(NOTE: In the 18th FBW History Jul-Dec 1952, there is no mention of a "Feine" as a base chaplain. Chaplin (Capt) John J. Scahill (1952-1953) was replaced by Chaplin (Major) George M. Rinkowski (Jan 1953-Apr 1954) as the Wing Chaplin. The South African Air Force Chaplin was Chaplin C. Scott Shaw (1952-1953). (Source: History of 18th FBW (1 July 1952 - 31 December 1952).)

However, at the same time, we know that the Methodist Board of Missions also was interested in starting churches in Korea -- and therefore, overseas funds would have been provided through the 18th FBW Chaplain's Office to start such missions and churches. Between Jan-Jun 1954, $600 was "contributed to the Methodist Board of Missions for work in Korea, and $420 to various other organizations in the interest of missions." (Source: History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1954.) We also know from the Shin Hung Church history that there were only two Methodist churches in Songtan at the time. This would have been the Jwadong Methodist Church and the Shin Hung Church.

As an added note, there seems to be a discrepancy in the shared historical start date of Jwadong Methodist Church. The Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992) stated that the Jwadong church started on 15 Mar 1952, while the Jwadong Methodist stated that their church started in 15 Oct 1953. This is only a minor point that deals with the "bragging rights" of which is the oldest church in the Songtan area. At this time, Jwadong Methodist Church is viewed as the oldest church in Songtan because of Shin Hung's admission that it was an off-shoot of the church -- despite the conflicting dates. However, if one considers Seojong-ni as part of the old Songtan City limits, the Seojong Catholic Church is by far the oldest church in the area.

Though the two churches share common roots, the Jwadong Methodist Church is firm in maintaining that their history is distinct and separate from the Shin Hung Presbyterian Church. It should be noted that ministers in the Methodist Church are assigned to churches by bishops, distinguishing it from presbyterian government. Methodist denominations typically give lay members representation at regional and national meetings (conferences) at which the business of the church is conducted, making it different from episcopalian government. This connectional organizational model differs further from the congregational model, for example of Baptist, and Congregationalist Churches, among others. )

According to 18th FBW History in 1954, "Beginning in April, regular worship services were conducted at K-55 for Indigenous Personnel by Kim Yung Chul, Korean Minister. For the past month the same minister has been conducting a week-day Bible Class." (Source: History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1954.) This refers to the first pastor of the Seojongni Kamri Church.

During the 1950s, there were numerous contacts between the K-55 chaplains and the civilian clergy -- as evidenced by Rev. Kim Yung-chul's ministering to Koreans on-base. Small monetary donations from K-55 chaplains were funneled to the civilian clergy to the assist in missionary work in Korea. The K-55 chaplains on numerous occasions interceded for the donation of base scrap materials for the construction of the local church building projects. Wood and corrugated iron sheets from base resources were routinely donated to church and school building projects in the area. In addition, during the 1950s, bulldozers from K-55 also aided in leveling lands for the construction of churches while bulldozing dirt roads in the off-base areas.

In April 1954, the ground was purchased at 263 bunji (address) though no structure was erected at the time. At the time, the hill was covered with pine trees. (Source: Jwadong Chronological History, 2002) According to aerial photos in 1952, there was a trail that curved diagonally down the hill. This trail would later become the Terminal Ridge Road (though the route was straightened). The sides of the hill would not have many houses until the late 1970s -- and these few structures were located near the top the hill.

Later in 1954, a structure was erected using mud bricks according to the Church history. The church was built at the high point on the hill. The church was a low one-story structure with a wood slat roof. The windows appeared to be wide shuttered windows for ventilation in the warmer months. There was a crudely constructed bell tower in the front of the church. Judging from the photos, the size of the church was approximately 20 feet by 40 feet. (NOTE: The bell dated 1955 has been preserved in the church and is exhibited at the entrance to the worship area.)


(L) Jwadong Methodist Church Sunday School with "new" church (1955) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (NOTE: Notice the bell tower set out front. The original bell preserved in the Church is dated as 1955.) (R) Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation (1955) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (NOTE: This most likely is the dedication of the first church in early 1955. Notice there is a black officer in the front row center. This person would most likely have been someone from the K-55 Chaplain's office representing the base. Alongside him would be Rev Kim Yung-ja, the first pastor of the church.)


Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation (1956) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)

The congregation was comprised of mostly the South Korean farmers in the area as the influx of North Korean refugees were clustered mainly in the Milwal-dong area. At the time, there was only the MSR-1 (Taenhyun Road) that ran from Osan-ni to the north past the intersection with the Shinjang Road (Mokchon Crossing) and then up over the hill past Jwadong Village and then Jijang-dong village on its way to Seojeong-ni. There was no Songbuk Morning Market at the time. Everything past the intersection of Shinjang Road was all rice fields until Are-Konji-ni (now the area near the Dongbu Apartments) and the rice fields extended to the base of Acacia Hill (now Songtan Park in Jisan-dong). The Jisan Stream fed the fields.

Rev. Yi Song-hyun was the 2nd Pastor of the church from 1957 to 1958. During this time, the financial circumstances of the church had improved and the church was able to build a more traditional church. In 1958 the new church was built on what was described as the "praying site". In the church history, the new building is described as a "sanctuary". It was located in what is now the parking lot of the Education Center with the doorway facing north. This was next to the dirt path that cut diagonally down the hill in what would become the Terminal Ridge Road. The chuch structure was complete in 1959.

The Jwadong Methodist Church (Jwadong Kyohwi) had a high peaked roof with a steepled entranceway. The construction appeared to be mud brick construction that was the standard of the time as concrete was still scarce. The exterior was then stuccoed and painted. The glass windows were wide so that it could provide air circulation. In a photo of the church, there is a flue in the center of the roof, so it can be inferred that the heating of the church in winter was through radiant heat using charcoal briquettes in a stove in the center of the church. The doors were barred and windows grated to prevent burglaries. Surrounding the church was a stuccoed brick wall.


(L) People entering new cinderblock church with steeple (1959) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) Jwadong Methodist Church with "Jwadong Kyohwi" sign (circa 1960) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (NOTE: In picture on left, the bricks are bare, but in the picture on right, the bricks have had stucco applied over them and painted. In the right photo, a sheet of Masden matting -- or Marsten sheeting from K-55 -- is used as a entrance block.)

By 1959, Songtan was increasing in size as the rice fields around Songbuk Morning Market was filled in. There started to appear a "downtown" area along the MSR-1 with the intercity bus depot (where the Kookmin bank is now) and the Jaeil Theater (behind where the Woori Bank is now). The wide road run up to the top of the hill where it reverted to a narrower two-lane dirt road to Seojong-ni as it continued past Jwadong Village and Jijangdong Village. It would stand to reason that as the area prospered so did the Jwadong Methodist Church as the only church in the immediate area. It would not be until the 1960s that other churches (Songtan Central Presbyterian and Songtan Catholic Church) were also built along the railroad tracks on Hoback Hill in the Goochang-teo area.


MSR-1 leading towards Osan-ni (NOTE: Jinwi-myeon hills in distance as road curves and goes down incline towards Farmers' Market. Electric poles to rear of buildings indicate that other buildings were behind the stores on left. Use of stones to construct stores on right indicates availability of concrete.) (Circa 1960) (51st FW Archives)

By 1965, the first sewers were going in in Songtan. The houses now covered Milwal-dong and started to spread out down through what is now Shinjang-2 dong. Along the MSR-1 the police box was installed near the Mokchon Railway Crossing and the police started to use motorcycles and white-painted jeeps along the MSR-1. Though the Achim Morning Market area had expanded by reclaiming the rice fields, there still was no Songbuk Market Road (National Route 1) and the Jisan-dong area still remained mostly ricefields.

In 1965, a new concrete church was built at 767-4 bunji (address). This new church was located where the side street now divides the present church and Education Center. The doorway of the building faced east. The exterior was covered with stucco and the roofed tiled. Judging from the photos, the church was about 40 feet by 20 feet. The old church that had been built in 1958 was retained as an educational building for teaching the children. It was located in the area west of the church in what is now the parking lot of the Education Center.

Rev. Chang Jun-hong became the 3rd Pastor of the church in 1965.


(L) New church (1965) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) Jwadong Methodist Church Congregation (1966) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)


(L) Jwadong Methodist Church with Pastor Rev Chang Jun-hong (1969) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)

In 1969, Elder Kim Ik-hwan, the 4th Pastor, departed for the U.S. Upon Rev. Kim Ik-hwan's departure, Hong Chun-ju became the Elder. (NOTE: On 21 Sep 2006, Elder Lee June-Chole stated that Rev. Kim was now a pastor in Los Angeles and had returned in 2004 for a visit.)

Up to the 1970s, the Jwadong Village area -- to the north of what is now Terminal Ridge Road -- remained isolated and a black bar row sprang up a few alleyways down. However, there was racial unrest with black airmen/soldiers that was spreading in the 1970s -- finally exploding in 1973 in Osan after blacks dragged a taxi driver from his cab and beat him. Koreans in turn attacked the blacks and racial violence quickly spread to the Shinjang Road area. As a result, the Jwadong area was placed off-limits and the black bars closed or moved into the Shinjang Mall area. After 1973, the bars were limited to the Shinjang area. Airmen no longer lived off-base in Jwadong and the Jwadong area reverted to a Korean residential area.

In 1972, Park Soo-hum became Elder for the church after Elder Hong Song-gyu resigned. In 1974, Pastor Park Kyung-wan became vice-manager of the church, while Lee Joong-doo and Kim Kyung-lak became Elders. In 1975, Pastor Park Kyung-wan was reassigned.

In 1976, a residence for the Pastor was built. Elder Jung Soon-jo, Kim Jang-kwan, Choi Jong-pil and Go Sang-yoon became Elders. In 1977, Elder Park Yoon-sook passed away and Elder Go Sang-yoon resigned.

Construction on the overpass officially started on 29 Sep 1976 and was completed on 10 May 1977. After 1978 things radically changed in the Jwadong area after the overpass from the K-55 area was erected. The overpass was completed in 1977 and the Terminal Ridge Road running by the church was widened in 1978. It ran to the base of hill where it connected to the new National Route 1 (Songbuk Market Road) that was being constructed starting from Jisan Stream intersecting point and continued down until Seojeong-ni where it rejoined the old MSR-1 route.


(L) Overpass Intersection of Terminal Ridge Road and MSR-1 looking north toward Morning Market (1978) (Harry Tezlaf) (NOTE: Notice policeman on corner handling traffic light.) (R) Police Box on Intersection of Terminal Ridge Road and MSR-1 looking east. Jwadong Methodist Church just over hilltop. (1978) (Harry Tezlaf)

In 1978, the new overpass was completed and the Terminal Ridge Road was extended to the base of the hill. At this time, the road construction was being laid out throughout the entire Songtan area with the cutting of roads on a grid pattern. The east-west roads in the Jwadong area followed the original alleyways as much as possible but cut perpendicular to the MSR-1 down to the base of the hill. The two north-south roads were to run diagonal along the hill. These north-south roads extended from Jungang-dong Village area through the Jwadong Village area across Terminal Ridge Road and then down the hill to the base where the intercity bus depot was located near the Achim Morning Market (Songbuk Farmers' Market). Later the new National Route 1 (Songbuk Market Road) would be constructed from the intersection of the MSR-1 near the Jisan stream through Jisan-dong to Seojeong-ni where it would reconnect to the original MSR-1 to Pyeongtaek.

Unfortunately, the grid pattern for new north-south road through Jwadong ran directly through the Jwadong Methodist Church that was constructed in 1965. It would have to be demolished. At the same time, the older Sanctuary built in 1958 -- and used as the educational center -- was also demolished. Elder Lee June-chole remembers the church in the late 1970s and the education center being located to the east of the church. (Source: Verbal conversation between Kalani O'Sullivan and Lee June-chole on 19 Sep 2006.)


Side Street leading down the Hill to behind the Kookmin Bank (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

In Feb 1980, they built a new church on the spot where the present church is located at 768 Jisan-dong, Songtan City. A dedication service was held to bless the site of the new church. The land was filled in and elevated using a 20-foot retaining wall to create a larger area for the church. Basically the design would have the office area at the street level along the road that curved down to the Songbuk Farmers' Market area, while the church would be on the first floor at the newly elevated level reached by a broad set of steps from the street. The second floor would contain the offices for the pastors. In Nov 1980, the new church was completed. In Apr 1981, a dedication ceremony was held as well as a church revival. Elders Kim Jung-sook and Lee June-chole became Elders, while Elder Kim Gyung-lak retired.


Elder Lee June-chole (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

In Jan 1982, Pastor Yoon Ki-hwan was reassigned and Rev Park Ki-taek became the 8th pastor to take charge of the church. In Jul 1983, preacher You Dong-soo took over as the education preacher and a rectory was constructed on the present location of the Education Center.


Jwadong Methodist Church (1984) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)

In Jan 1985, Preacher Bang Woon took over as the Education Preacher, and in Feb 1985, You Dong-soo resigned as the education preacher. At this time a new Songbuk-dong church was created with assistance from the church. In Jun 1985, Elder Lee Jong-doo retired. On 25 Sep 1985, a dedication ceremony was held for a new Pastor's building at C768 bunji (address) that would become the Education Center.

In Jun 1986, Preacher Kim Hae-wook became a visiting preacher. In Jan 1987, Preacher Bang Woon became the education preacher, while visiting Preacher Kim Hae-wook resigned. Elder Park Soo-hum departed the church for Suwon.

In Feb 1990, Pastor Park Ki-taek retired and Pastor No Chul-rae took over as the 9th Pastor of the Church. In Apr 1990, Rev No Chul-rae received his doctorate and an installation ceremony was held. In Oct 1990, Park Jin-suk resigned as education preacher. In Nov 1990, Elder Kang Do-won arrived from the Dang-jin area Yoo-guk Church.

On 1 Jan 1991, Preacher Jo Sang-ho became the education preacher. In Feb 1991, Elder Lee Jang-doo passed away and a funeral was held in the church. In Feb 1992, Elder Kim Jang-sook retired.

On 1 Jun 1992, Joo Sang-ho resigned as the education preacher and was replaced on 1 Jul 1992 by Lee Jung-Il. On 1 Sep 1992 Park Young-ae was promoted to visiting preacher. Also in Sep 1992, Kim Goo-hang became an Elder.

In Feb 1993, Deacon Kwun Tae-bok became an Elder. On 1 Mar 1993, Preacher Lee Jung-il resigned. In Apr 1993, Elder Lim Sun-hee joined the church from the Songtan Kamri Church. In Sep 1993, Preacher Lee Do-jae became the education preacher.

On 15 Nov 1993, the church celebrated its 40th anniversary.

In Jul 1993, the church bought 130 pyeong of land to build the Education Building at 768-71 bungi, Jisan-dong. In Dec 1993, the church bought land at 768-95 bungi, Jisan-dong for the church.

In Jan 1994, Preacher Jung Goo-yeul resigned to go the Chonbuk Jong Kwang Church. In Apr 1994, longtime Elder Oh You-gun arrived from Buchon Ki Doong Church. In May 1994, Preacher Ryu Kyung-yul became the education preacher, and in Jun 1994, Lee Do-jae resigned as education preacher. In Jun 1994 Elder Lee Wook-joo came from the Dang-jin Song-mae Church.

On 1 Mar 1994, Pastor Jung Yoon-wha became the 10th Manager of the Church. Pastor No Chul-rae was reassigned to the Seoul Yang-moon church.

In Jan 1995, Preacher Park Jung-ae was accepted as visiting preacher, but on 1 Oct 1995 he resigned. Deacons Han Kil-he, Choi Sung-kwun became Elders. On 1 Jan 1996, Pastor Jin Ki-sup promoted to Vice-Manager of the church. At the same time, Kim Hae-wook became a visiting preacher and Kim Jung-hoon became the education preacher. On Feb 1996, Lee Hyun-sook became the visiting preacher.

In Mar 1996, the church underwent a major remodeling and facelift. The church frontage was upgraded and there was a landscaping of the grounds. The multi-story structure combined a kitchen and office area on the street level, the church was on the second level (top of the hill) and the pastor's offices was on the third level.

In 1996, the construction of the Jwadong Methodist Education Center was started across the street along with the parking area for the church. On 23 Aug 1996, Choon Nam, Tae Ah-goon, Gun Hyung-myun and Tong Sin-ri dedicated the spot for the new 1,810 sq meter moral education center. On 20 Jan 1998, the Education Center was officially opened.


(L) Remodeled church (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) New Church (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)

On 13 Jan 1997, the church supported project for a Philippine Missionary Church with 5 people and Pastor Jang Yoon-hwa. The building was completed on 25 May 1997. On 4 Sep 1997, Pastor Lingout and a pastor's group from the Dapdap Jwadong Church Education Center visited the Philippines for missionary education. On 11 Jan 1999, the church supported the making of the Dasmarias Church in the Philippines and on 25 Sep 2000 the Philippines Dapdap Jwadong Church and private residences completed. The Methodist church insists that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. Scriptural holiness entails more than personal piety; love of God is always linked with love of neighbor, a passion for justice and renewal in the life of the world.

On 30 May 1997, Lee Hyun-sook resigned as visiting preacher. He was replaced on 2 Jul 1997 by Park Jung-ae as visiting preacher, but he too resigned on 1 Nov 1997. On 1 Jan 1998, Lim Joo-suk became the visiting preacher. On 18 Oct 1998 services were held to mark Kwun Tae-bok, Han Kil-he, and Choi Sung-kwan becoming Elders; as well as marking Elder Lim Sun-he's retirement. On 13 Dec 1998, Kim Choong-bae and Jin Moon-ja became deacons.

On 31 Jan 1999, Pastor Choi Han-young became the pastor to the Taekwang High School. On 1 Jun 1999, Lim Joo-sik resigned as visiting preacher. On 1 Sep 1999, Kim Hae-wook resigned as visiting preacher. On 15 Aug 1999, Lee Sun-hee and Jang Hee-ok took over as visiting preachers.

On 1 Dec 2000, Joo Byung-jin became education preacher. On 30 Mar 2001, Pastor Jung Yoon-wha was promoted to Pyeongtaek Methodist District Superintendent. Education preacher Kim Jung-hoon became the Pastor. On 18 Apr 2001, his inauguration ceremony was held at the Pyeongtaek Presbyterian Church.

On 11 May 2001, the Education Center was built on 768-6, 786-8, 768-48 and 768-68 bunji with an area also used as a parking lot. Elder Choi Sung-gwan was made the project manager. The construction took 8 months. On 27 Jan 2002 Pastor Jung Yoon-hwa and 350 people attended the dedication of the new Education Center.

On 1 Jan 2002, teachers Sao Bo-hyun and Lee Jong-min became education preachers. On 17 Feb 2002, Kim Jung-hoon resigned as the education preacher.

The church continues to serve its community's religious needs after over 50 years. The church activities include providing free English conversational classes for youngsters, bible study and other activities for its youth. The present senior pastor is Rev Um Sang-hyun who oversees the congregation of about 900 (including children). Rev. Un Sang-hyun took over as pastor in 2004. He is assisted by Assistant pastor Lee Sang-hyun who arrived in 2006.


Rev. Um Sang-hyun


Jwadong Methodist Education Center (2004) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)


(L) Church Revival (10 Apr 2006) (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo) (R) Congregation (15 Apr 2006) (1996) (Jwadong Methodist Church Photo)

---

Local History: Shin Hung Presbyterian Church (1952) In the beginning, a few people met at various houses to hold prayer meetings. When the base opened, more people came into the area and joined these informal worship groups. No name was ever given to these groups. The Rev. Choi Hak-seong led the meetings.

According to Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992), Rev. Choi Hak-seong met with Chaplain Feine from K-55 to discuss starting a Methodist church in 1952.

(NOTE: In the 18th FBW History Jul-Dec 1952, there is no mention of a "Feine" as a base chaplain. Wing Chaplin (Capt) John J. Scahill (1952-1953) was replaced by Wing Chaplin (Major) George M. Rinkowski (Jan 1953-Apr 1954). The SAAF Chaplin was Chaplin C. Scott Shaw (1952-1953). (Source: History of 18th FBW (1 July 1952 - 31 December 1952).)

However, at the same time, we know that the Methodist Board of Missions also was interested in starting churches in Korea and funneled funds through the base chaplains. Between Jan-Jun 1954, $600 was "contributed to the Methodist Board of Missions for work in Korea, and $420 to various other organizations in the interest of missions." (Source: History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1954.) We also know from the Shin Hung history that there were only two Methodist churches in Songtan at the time. This would be the Jwadong Methodist Church and the Shin Hung Church. Therefore, overseas funds would have been provided by the base chaplains to start and assist the Jwadong Methodist Church and Shin Hung Methodist Church before it switched to a Presbyterian church.

As an added note, there seems to be a discrepancy in the shared historical start date of Jwadong Methodist Church. The Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992) stated that it started on 15 Mar 1952, while the Jwadong Methodist stated that their church started in 15 Oct 1953. This is only a minor point, but deals with the "bragging rights" of which is the oldest church in Songtan. At this time, Jwadong Methodist Church is viewed as the oldest church in Songtan because of Shin Hung's admission that it was an off-shoot of the church -- despite the conflicting dates.)

On 15 Mar 1952, a meeting was held at the home of An Choon-ja that was attended by Choi Hak-seong and ten other members to discuss the formation of a church. On 17 Sep 1952, they formed the Jwadong Methodist Church (Jwadong Kamri Kyohwi) -- also called the Weslyan Church (Weslieum Kamuri Kyohwi). Kim Gi-hyuk became the elder.

Choi Hak-seong attempted to build the Pyeongan Church at the four-way intersection where the church is now located in Bokchong-ri, near to the old Hill 180 gate of K-55. elder Kim Gap-jae, on the other hand, wanted to move the church closer to "downtown" where more buildings were located. The disagreement was not fierce. In the end, Choi Hak-seong prevailed and they bought the ground where the present Shin Hung Church resides. The first wood structure was built on 1 Jun 1952.

An American bulldozer from K-55 leveled the ground for the church at the same time they were cutting the road up Milwal-dong and the dirt road to the Hill 180 Gate next to Makum-ni. The original church stood alone atop a hill with grass directly across a small depression from the Hill 180 gate. The first time the church framing was erected, they tried to construct a wall but the wind blew it down causing them to have to start over again. The congregation funds had only 80 hwan in it when they started the building. They built the frame, but they had no money to complete the structure so they borrowed money to put up the siding.


First Church (1954) (Walter Faulkner)

Fortunately at Osan Air Base (K-55), there was a big motorpool fire. Rev. Choi Hak-seong arranged to obtain the salvaged wood from the demolished building for use in completing the siding of the church in 1954. The building had a high pitched roof of 25 "ja" and the building floor area of 30 "ja." The church was approximately 20 feet wide by 40 feet long. The corrugated iron for the roofing most likely came from base materials as well as the Jamesway barracks (plywood with corrugated iron facing) and quonset huts were all constructed with this material. The roof of the church appeared to have reused corrugated iron on one end and new materials on the other end as seen by the discoloration. There were two doors on the front entrance and each side had four shuttered windows. The wooden church was finally completed "on the hill where there was a lot of grass" on 1 Jun 1952. When they finished construction of the main church, they built a smaller building to the rear. The church supposedly near a "four-way intersection." Rev Choi would serve at the new chuch until he departed on 1 Feb 1956 to study in America.

After the church was completed a lot of people attended, especially North Korean refugees (Hyongbu). Though the congregation grew, the church remained poor. During the Korean War years, most of these refugees had no money so they built their houses adjacent to the church with mudwattle bricks or thin salvaged wood. The roofs of these houses were also made of thin wood or flattened ammo cans. The houses were so low that people had to stoop inside and during the summer, it was unbearably hot. These North Korean refugees were so poor that they ate the throwaway foods (slop) from base that was mixed together and water added. It was then boiled as food. The church at times was used for house these refugees.


Congregation of Shin Hung Church with Pastor Choi Hak-seong (1954) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992))


Congregation of Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Bokchong-ri with Church in background (1955) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992)


Congregation of Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Seomi-ri with Church in background (1955) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992) (NOTE: The windows are shuttered type as seen in 1954 photo, but will be changed to glass window frames later. The bell tower at the front entrance was added in 1955.)

(SITE NOTE: Between Jan-Jun 1954, "Frequent contacts with the civilain clergy and Korean Citizens in charge of humanitarian and welfare projects have been maintained by both Protestant and Catholic Chaplains." "Beginning in April, regular worship services were conducted at K-55 for Indigenous Personnel by Kim Yung-Chul, Korean Minister. For the past month the same minister has been conducting a week-day Bible Class." (Source: History of the 18th Fighter Bomber Wing, 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1954))

In 1955, they added a steeple at the front of the church that blocked off the two doors at the front. On the side of the church, they later added a bell tower in 1955. The shuttered windows were replaced with glass windows in 1956.

The church remained a Methodist Church, but membership dwindled after the war. (NOTE: In conversations with the present Pastor of Shin Hung Church, Ahn Jang-hyun, the date that the switch to a Presbyterian Church from Methodist is unknown. It is assumed that the changeover occurred after Rev Choi Hak-seong went to the US in 1956.) The reason was that there were only two Methodist churches in Korea -- and missionary funds to support the church dropped off. After Rev. Choi Hak-seong went to America to study, attendance dropped off significantly at the church.

In Feb 1956, Bang Kwan-deok became an elder of the church. He would later took over as Pastor of the church where he would serve until June 1959. In 1956, the church would switch to a Presbyterian church, instead of Methodist church. (SITE NOTE: In Presbyterian churches, the office of bishop was abolished in the 16th-17th centuries, the heads of local congregations using the name minister. In this arrangement, the ministers' leadership is shared with presbyters (also called elders, usually elected by the local congregations), who help them shepherd the church while keeping their secular professions. In these traditions, the term presbyter is generally restricted to the Presbyterian churches, while other Reformed churches tend to use the term elder.)

In Jun 1959, Rev Kim Man-keul took over the congregation. He would serve until Apr 1961. During his tenure, the Shin Hung Kindergarten was started and graduated three classes before it ceased its operations in 1963.

In Jan 1962, Rev. Park Yeong-kyu became the senior Pastor. He would serve until Jan 1965.


Shin Hung Church (1964) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992)

In Jan 1965, Rev. Kim Chu-seon took over the reins of the church. He would remain the Pastor until 1 Jan 1976. On 1 Jan 1967, the church bought 324 pyeong of ground to expand its location. On 1 Nov 1967, the church was expanded into a 57 pyeong structure.


Shin Hung Church (1973) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992)

On 17 Feb 1976, Kim Myeong-ha became Pastor. He would remain the Pastor until Mar 1979. On 28 Aug 1977 the church celebrated its 25th anniversary. On 1 Oct 1977 Kim Jae-ok became the elder of the church and would remain so until 31 Dec 1979.

In Mar 1979, No Sam-han became the Pastor. He would serve until Sep 1982. Kim Chal was appointed an Elder in 1979 and remained in the position until 15 Feb 1982.

In Sep 1982, the present Pastor Ahn Jang-hyun took over the leadership of the church. A new church was built in 1983 and the first services were held in Feb 1984. The new church was officially dedicated on 12 April 1984. There are currently 1000 in the congregation, including children.


Shin Hung Church (1984) (Songtan Shin Hung Church 40th Anniversary Edition 1952-1992)


Services at Shin Hung Presbyterian Church in Bokchong-ri, Seojong-dong. (1992) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992))

>
Holding Services in Shin Hung Church with Rev. Ahn Jang-hyun delivering a sermon. (29 Nov 1987) (Songtan Shin Hung Kyohwi 40th Anniversary Edition (1952-1992))


Rev. Ahn Jang-hyun (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)


Shin Hung Church (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

---

Local History: Seongwang Presbyterian Church (Onori Church) (1954) The church is located in Shinjang 2-dong across from the Shinjang 2-dong House Office -- and a block away from the Songshin Elementary School. It is situated directly across from the Shinjang-2 dong house office. This was the second church in the area after the Jwa dong Methodist Church in Jwadong -- though the oldest church in the area is the Seojeong Catholic Church (Saint Theresa) in 1932.

The Seongwang Church group was formed at prayer meeting held at the home of Chae Yong-seok on 11 Apr 1954.

On 10 Jun 1954, Rev. Yi Ji-young became the first pastor of the church and in July 1954, the first church was constructed. When the first Songwang Church was built, it was on the high area near the railroad tracks, while the rest of the surrounding area was rice fields that had not been reclaimed as yet. Remember that the time was very poor and the area was filled with mostly North Korean refugees who found work on the base in menial positions. Wood and lumber was scarce so the church structures in the area were built with wood scrap donated by the base. From the 1959 photo below, it would appear that the church had a steeple - bell tower as part of the church, however, other details are much too blurry to identify details of the structure.


Main Gate of Osan AB in 1959. If you look in the distance between the gate shack and the airmen walking out the gate, there is a building that stands above the other structures. This is the Seongwang Church. The Songshin Elementary School would not be built until 1963. (1959) (Ed Stirling)

From Nov 1954 to Dec 1955, the second pastor of the church was Rev. Park Yang-mo. On 11 Apr 1955, the church celebrated its first year anniversary. From Jan 1956 - Mar 1961, Rev. Yi Nak-ju served as the third pastor of the church.

In Mar 1956 the Seongwang Children school (grade 1-3) was formed.

On 28 Nov 1958, the Songtan Jaeil Presbyterian Church split away from the Seongwang Church to form its own church. It started as the Jwadong Presbyterian Church in Dec 1958 and later changed its name to Jaeil Presbyterian Church when it moved to its present location in the Milwal-dong area. (SITE NOTE: The four oldest Presbyterian churches were spun off from each other. The Jwadong Methodist spun off the Shin Hung Church in 1958. Shin Hung, in turn, spun off the Songtan Central Presbyterian in 1962. The Seongwang Church spun off the Jaeil Church in 1958 and later the Hanil Church in 1974.)

In 1959 Kim Yong-su, Chong Kwang-sok, Cho Chun-ho made elders (changno-changlip).

In 1960, the construction of the new church structure was started. In Apr 1960, a dedication ceremony and was held and on 28 Sep 1960, the cornerstone was laid for the church. In the 1960s, the use of concrete became more concrete and the structure was much more substantial than the older mud-brick and wood structure.

From 5 Mar 1961 to 8 May 1970, Rev. Kim Jung-gun served as the fourth pastor of church. On 11 Oct 1961 the Jungang Changno Church merged with the Seongwan Presbyterian Church.

On 11 Apr 1964, the church celebrated its 10th anniversary. In 1964, An Yong-tae, Il Chil-song, Choi Ha-gyong were made deacons. Chon Tae-hwan, Pak Chon-som, Cho Yong-song, Kwan Chon-baek became elders (kwansa chwi-im).


From 23 Jul 1969 to 7 Nov 1970, Rev. Yun He-shik served as the fifth pastor of the church. On 1 Dec 1970, Yi Song-yok, Cho Shin-haen, Chang Kyu-hyon became deacons. Choi Yong-gil became elder. (He would retire on 21 Jan 1984).

From 12 Jan 1971 to 2 Jul 1971, Preacher Sol Sam-yong served as the Education Preacher. On 29 Mar 1971, the church procured 836 pyeong of land in the Seoul area.

Between 12 Feb 1972 and 9 Mar 1974, Rev. Yi Nak-hyun served as the sixth pastor of the church. On 9 Mar 1974, the Hanil Church was split away from the Seongwang Church.

From 12 May 1974 to 27 Sep 1976, Rev. Han Jae-song served as the seventh pastor of the church. On 12 Jun 1976, the education building was constructed.

From 27 Dec 1977 to 12 Jun 1984, Rev. Kim Chong-kyu served as the eighth pastor of the church. On 17 Jun 1978, Kim Chong-kyu made Han Mi-su the Elder. (He would retire on 1 Jan 1984.) Also in 1978, Yau In-hak, Go Kyu-hong, Sol Tae-sok became deacons, while Namgung Ok-sun, Chon Gi-chok, Hwang Cho-son, Kim Kap-sun became elders.

On 3 Dec 1979, Yau In-hak, Go Kyu-hong, Sol Tae-sok became elders, while Choi Song-dau, Kim Dau-gwang became deacons.

From 21 Jun 1984 to Mar 1987, Rev. Yi Song-woo served as the ninth pastor. On 13 Apr 1986, Kim Chul-won, Kim Chong-gyu became deacons, while Kim Son-won, Kim In-suk became elders.

From 24 Jun 1987 to 13 Dec 1988, Rev. Park Chi-woo served as the tenth pastor of the church.

Between 2 Mar 1989 and 15 Jan 1994, Rev. Kim Kap-deok served as the eleventh pastor. On 3 Oct 1989, Kim Su-yon, Sau Woo-jin, Kim Yon-su, Park Chun-ja, Chon Bok-ki, Son Hong-bun, Yang Hang-ta, Yun Pyeong-hi became elders (kwansa chwi-im). On 11 Nov 1989, Yi Chang-su, Kim Chong-gyu, Kim Tau-gwon, Kim Chol-won became manager (changno chang-lip).

On 10 Mar 1991 a parade was held to dedicate the new church renovations. On 31 Mar 1991, Go Sang-min was made senior elder. On 26 Jul 1992, the new remodeling of the interior of the church was complete under the guidance of Pastor Kim Kap-deok . In Jul 1992, Elder Yau In-hak and Elder Chong Gi-chok retired, while Lee Jong-hau, Pak Song-ship, Song Choon-mok became deacons (chipsa).

From 6 Jan 1994 to 6 Dec 1995, Rev. Yi Song-ho was the twelfth pastor. Between 6 Dec 1995 and 28 Feb 1998, Rev. Ru Shi-hong was thirteenth pastor.

On 24 Dec 1996, the Nul Chanyang Church merged with the Seongwang Church.

Between 1 Mar 1998 and Sep 2000, Rev. Kim Seok-jung served as the fourteenth pastor of the church. On 25 Jul 2000, Elder Go Kyu-song retired. In 2000, Chae Il-hwa and Choi In-ja became elders, while Chong Su-gil became a deacon.

From 11 Oct 2000 to 1 Mar 2002, Rev. Yu Sun-gi served as the fifteenth pastor of the church.

On 17 Dec 2000, the Seongwang Church changed its name to the Onori Church.

On 15 Mar 2002, the present pastor, Rev. Chung Byung-rok, took over as the sixteenth pastor of the church. On 10-11 Oct 2002, the Kyonggi Noheo -- Chonggi Noheo revival was held. On 24 Nov 2002, the official benediction for Rev. Chung Byung-rok, took place.


Rev Chung Byung-rok, Pastor Seongwang Church

On 17 Mar 2003, Lee Kong-gi, Chong Sung-gi became elders (Changno), while Yi Gae-ho, Yi Ook, Yi Gin-lat, Kim Min-chol, Chae Yong-nam, Kim Gin-taek, Kim In-nyop, Park Kwang-jong became deacons (Ansu Chipsa). Hwang Mae-sun, Cho Sun-dok, Maeng Yong-sun, Yi Ong-nyo, Kim Chon-nae, Park Kong-soon, Park Suk-ki, Kim Kyong-soon became directing elders (Chansu Keonsa).


Onori Church (Aug 2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (SITE NOTE: The new church was built on the same location as the old church. Notice the Hangul lettering above the door shows the old name, "Songwang Kyohwi".)

---

Local History: Jaeil Presbyterian Church (1958) According to the history of the Seongwang Presbyterian Church, on 28 Nov 1958, the Jaeil Church split away from the Seongwang Church to form its own church. The Songtan Jaeil Church (First Presbyterian Church of Songtan) was first started as the Jwadong Presbyterian Church on 5 Dec 1958. The church is presently making preparations for its 50th Anniversary in 2008. (Source: Jaeil Church for church homepage (hangul).)

On 21 Mar 1961, the cornerstone was laid for a 40 pyeong church. On 1 Apr 1961, the Songtan Jaeil Church was officially founded. On 5 Dec 1958 the Jwadong Presbyterian Church was first built. On 1 Apr 1961 the name was changed to the Songtan Jaeil Church. Work was started to build a 40 pyeong chapel in Mar 61. On 24 Oct 1961 the chapel was completed. On 4 May 1965 the chapel was expanded to 80 pyeong.

When the church was first founded in Milwal dong, the area just past the Songshin Elementary school in Shinjang 2-dong was still all rice fields. In the early 1965, the small church stood alone at the top of the hill. Houses had not spread down the hill from Milwal dong and there were few buildings encroaching on the church at the time. The other church in the area was the Songwang Church (Onnori Church) down near the Songshin Elementary School. Slowly other houses were built in the area as the expansion of Songtan spread outwards along. Within a few years, the houses had surrounded the church.


Rice Fields in what is now Shinjang 2-dong looking towards Milwal dong. (1965) (Harry Tezlaf)

In the 1965 picture above, the large building 2/3 of the way from the right is the Jungang Movie Theater at the top of Milwal Road -- where the Capital Hotel is presently located. To the left are the houses spreading out from the west side of Hill 180 towards Seojong-ni. On the next hill to the left is the Jaeil Church -- still very small structure the size of a small house. (Using present landmarks, the hill the Jaeil Church sits on is where the road from the top of Milwal Road goes down then up the hill to an intersection -- where you turn left to go to the Songtan Train Station. One turns right and up the hill to go to the church.

The ricefields were reclaimed later to form the area used for Taegwang Middle School and High School. The expansion towards Seojong-ni will end about where the houses on the left are. The picture is taken from the Shinjang 2-dong side near the railroad tracks somewhere around where the Taegwang Middle School is now. Behind the photographer are the houses that are just to the right of the Shinjang Road leading to MSR-1. At that time, the area between the west side of Hill 180 and the railroad tracks was still mostly ricefields.

During the Pueblo Incident in 1968, Bill Bayless was deployed to Osan with the 12th TFS of the 18th TFW from Kadena. He wrote on Tango Way, "Osan was a poor town, with little to support it other than the base. I think a rather high percentage of the people in town engaged in occupations of dubious repute. In the history of Korea there must have been an influx of Christian missionaries, because the biggest and best buildings in town were the abundant Christian churches of various denominations." The following are some photos he took of the area in 1968.

Jaeil Church (1968) (Bill Bayless)

Hill 180 Gate Road (1968) (Bill Bayless)

Looking down on graves from Hill 180 perimeter (1968) (Bill Bayless)	Inside the Perimeter fence from Hill 180 looking towards Songtan (1968) (Bill Bayless)
Milwal Road up to Seojong Theater (now site of Capital Hotel) and Fire Station at top (1968) (Bill Bayless)	Milwal Road up to Seojong Theater and Fire Station at top (1968) (Bill Bayless)
Looking down Shinhang Mall Road with Buraksan Mountains to left (1968) (Bill Bayless) (NOTE: "Krova" may be the "Clover Bar" that was on the road at the time.)	Village in snow with Offbase Train Tracks with Buraksan Mountain in background (1968) (Bill Bayless)

On 5 Dec 1969 Rev. Park Yong-shik became the first Pastor for the church. On 22 May 1969 Park Byeong-suk and Oh Sok-son became Elders for the church. On 18 Jun 1971 Jang Eun-shik and Kim Ji-sok became Elders. From 1 Jul 1972 to 2 Feb 1995 Park Yong-i served as the preacher.

On 20 Jun 1972 the 67 pyeong education building was completed. On 22 Nov 1973 the church was expanded to 324 pyeong. (NOTE: In 1988 it would be expanded to its present 328 pyeong size.) It is still at its present location on a hill top on the south side of Hill 180 in the Milwal-dong area.

From 1973-1977, Rev. Park Buhm Yong, first served at the Jaeil Church. When he was assigned to the church, he remembered that the base chaplains would periodically give sermons at the church. In those days, there were only five churches in the immediate area -- as 70 percent of the population of Songtan was clustered around the main base -- and servicemen living off-base with their families would attend. Since that time the face of Songtan has changed dramatically. Reverend Park hopes to reestablish this link with the church and the base.

Rev Park remembers in 1973 when the caterpillars provided by the base assisted in grading the land around the church. (NOTE: This was prior to the massive reconstruction and road-building in the area mandated by President Park Chung-hee in 1976.) At that time the area was still a mixture of older mud-wattle houses and houses with transite roofs connected by narrow alleyways. The primary road near the base of the Jaeil Church at the time was a narrow dirt road that winded back to the Hill 180 Gate (now closed) about a half-mile from the present AFOC Gate. Rev Park also remembers that the cemetery was still located up near the perimeter.

On 6 Jun 1978 Hong Seok-don and Park Young-chon and Kim Pyung-moo became Elders. On 9 Oct 1981Cha Tae-shim and Hong Im-hyun and Song Hong-kyung became Elders.

The church added a daycare school in 1981 situated next to the church. On 28 Sep 1988 the education building was expanded to 328 pyeong. On 5 Mar 1990 a Christian missionary school was added called the "Jaeil Missionary Kindergarten."

On 5 May 1990 Jyung Kyung-hyun, Lee Bom-il, Seo Kwang-ok and Park Byeong-sup became Elders. At the same time, Song Jong-il and Lee Eum-jon honored for their work for church. Between 1981and 10 Sep 1990, Rev. Jang Kwan-woong served as the vice-Pastor. On 1 Apr 1991, Rev. Park Yong-shik honored for his work as the first Pastor of the church in 1969.

Between 16 Dec 1990 and 20 Jun 1999, Rev. Chae Myung-seon served as Pastor. On 5 May 1993, Rev. Chae Myung-seon authorized as an assistant Pastor for the church. During 1993, Park Youn-i was honored for his long service as a preacher for the church. In addition, Kim Jong-shin was honored for his church work. Kim Il-shim, Kim Hwa-ja, Shin Moon-kil, Lee Yong-wal, Hong Youn-bong, Oh Myung-ae, Park Ok-soon, Lee Ok-ja, Lee Chun-ja were appointed as deacons of church.

Between 1 Jul 1993 and 30 Jun 1999, Pyo Mi-sook served as woman preacher. Between 18 Sep 1994 and 2 Mar 2001, Cho Gil-ja served as a woman preacher. Between 10 Sep 1995 and 31 Dec 1998, Lee Dae-il served as the vice Pastor. On 28 Dec 1996, Song Dae-eun and Ko Jong-yong became Elders. Between 5 Oct 1997 and 2 May 1999, Jang Song-woo served as vice Pastor. On 8 Feb 1998, Jang Song-eun and Park Song-woon were honored for work as Elders.

On 29 Nov 1998, the church celebrated its 40th Anniversary. On 26 Sep 1999, the church asked Pastor Hau Cha-young to preside as the Pastor of the church. On 14 Dec 1999, Lee Dae-il became the co-Pastor.

On 20 May 1999, Lee Min-su, Kim Keum-dong, Kim Eung-tak, and Hau Chan-young became Elders. On 3 Dec 1999, Gu Ok-san, Kim Yong-ja, Park Yong-ae, Park Ki-man, Eum Ki-suk, Yun On-jan, Yun Yu-shin, Yu Kim-ok, Lee Song-mun, Lee Eun-jan, Kae Shin-ya, Hwang Suk-yal, Pyong Jong-ae, Park Ok-soon were inducted as deacons.

On 28 Apr 2000, the Jaeil Missionary Kindergarten changed its name to Jaeil Kindergarten. On 17 Nov 2002, Kang Song-yong became the education preacher.

On 29 Dec 2000, Park Buhm-yong became the Assistant Pastor. From 1 Dec 1999 to 22 Apr 2003, Kim Mi-ja worked as a women preacher. From 11 Feb 2001 to 17 Nov 2002, Park Bum-sun worked as the vice Pastor. On 16 Dec 2001, the "Imposition of Hands" (Confirmation Ceremony) was helf for Deacons (jipsa) for Kwan Hyuk-jong, Kim Bum-yong, Jo Chung-gun, Lee Jae-young, Cha Hyan-il, Lim Jae-cha. On the same date, Elder Park Byong-sook was honored. At the same time, Shin Mun-kil and Joung Song-eun retired as deacons. On 25 Feb 2002, Elder Lee Min-su retired. Deacons Hwang Soon-kil, Oh I-suk, and Lee Ioung-wal retired.

On 16 Jun 2002, the interior of the church building was remodeled. On 5 Jan 2003, the DIA Songtan Jaeil Education School was built. On 23 Feb 2003, Chae Jong-suk became the Manager of the church.

On 1 Mar 2003, Park Bum-yong assumed position as Senior Pastor and Church manager. On the same date, Elder Park Byong-chun was honored and Elder Lee Bang-eun retired. Deacons Shin Soon-duk and Jin Soon-ja retired. On 11 May 2003, Yun Hyu-soon became the managing teacher for the school. On 21 Dec 2003, Kim Gwan-hwae assumed work as assistant Pastor. 21 Jul 2004, Kang Ae-soon became a deacon. On 1 Jan 2005, Kang Sang-yung began work as an assistant Pastor.

On 4 Dec 2005, the Chong Nae-Munghwa civic group was formed to help in community work. On 9 Dec 2005, the Vision center was built for community work.


(L) Jaeil Church (Aug 2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan) (R) View from Jaeil Church to Milwal-Road. Capital Hotel now where Sejong Theater was. (Aug 2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

Rev. The present senior Pastor of the church, Rev. Park Buhm Yong, first served at the Jaeil Church from 1973-1977. He then formed his own church in Suwon and subsequently moved his ministry to Seoul. In 1992, he departed to perform missionary work in China and founded a Korean Church in Shanghai, the largest city in China. In 2001, he returned to the Jaeil Church to become the senior Pastor. Speaking English and Chinese, he is well-prepared to spread his message of Christian faith. He is also the president of Pan Asia Books & Media Ministries.

Pastor Park Buhm-yong (26 Nov 2005) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

---

Local History: Songtan Central Presbyterian Church (1962) The Songtan Central Presbyterian Church (Songtan Jungang Kyohwi) was founded in 1962 on the present site at the top of Hobak Hill in the area known as Goo-chang-teo near the Kyongbu Railroad tracks.


The intercity bus terminal looking west. The MSR-1 runs left to right. (This area is now where the Kookmin Bank is.) Note on top of the hill on the far right is the area where the Songtan Central Presbyterian Church is located. (1971) (Edward Caler)


In the photo above, we believe the building on the top right is the Songtan Central Presbyterian Church. The photo is of the bus depot located where the present Kookmin bank is located. The MSR-1 runs from left to right with Pyeongtaek to the left and Osan-ni to the right. The photo looks west towards the Hobak Hill area were the Songtan Central is located at the top of the hill next to the railroad tracks at the base of the hill. To the right just outside the photo is the road to the old Mokchon crossing that is now closed.

In 1984, a new church was built on the site with the congregration services below and the Pastor's office on the second floor. Across the small parking lot are the church kitchen facilities with a day-care center above. As of 2006, the Pastor was Rev. Choi Byung-nam who resided with his family on the grounds. There are approximately 300 in the congregation (not including children) as of 2006.


Songtan Central Presbyterian Church (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)


Daycare Center (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

---

Local History: Songtan Catholic Church (Saint Andrew's Church) (1965) The Songtan Catholic Church is also known as Saint Andrew's Church (Suon Andurea Church). The church is named for Saint Andrew Kim (Kim Tae-gon). He was born to the yangban nobility class and his parents were Catholic converts. His father was a martyr. Andrew was baptized at age 15, then travelled 1,300 miles to the nearest seminary in Macao. He became Korea's first native priest, and the first priest to die for the faith in Korea. He was tortured and beheaded in 1846 in Seoul. He was beatified in 1925 and canonized as a saint on 6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II. The Korean Church is unique because it was founded entirely by laypeople and has withstood wave after wave of fierce persecution. Thus, in less than a century, it could boast of 10,000 martyrs. (Source: Patron Saints Index.)


Saint Andrew Kim (Kim Taegon)

The church traces its history to the Seojong-ni Catholic Church (St. Theresa's) built in 1932. At that time, it was part of Jinwi-gun, Songtan-myeon dating back to 1914. At first there was no church in Songtan and Fr. Chae Pyong-nam (Benedicto) had responsibility for the entire area covering Pyeongtaek-shi, Shinjang-1 dong, Deogok-dong, Songbuk-dong, Jisan-dong, Jinwi-myeon, and Seotan-myeon. There were a total of 3,430 catholics in the area (male: 1,465/female: 1,965) with 1,376 Catholic households.

Fr. Ryu Su-cheol (Dominicu) wanted to make a church in Songtan so on 14 Aug 1954 bought 845 pyeong at 338-3 punji (address), Shinjang-ri, Songtan-myeon. However, the land remained fallow as the church in Osan-eup (town) had its church built first in 1964. (Source: Songtan Catholic Church History)

The church was founded on 22 Aug 1965 Aug 22 at 338-8 punji (address), Seojong-dong, pon-dang, Pyeongtaek-shi. The original church is what is now the office and rectory areas. The building has been modified to house the office and rectory of the church. When the church was first built, the rail spur to K-55 ran along the base of the hill and there were only rice fields in the low-lying areas.


Songtan Catholic Church Office and Rectory (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)

The church is located directly behind the Shinjang-1 dong house office. The total land space of the church is 1,408 pyeong of land. The interior area of the church was 299 pyeong, with the rectory covering 90 pyeong. There is a meeting room of 110 pyeong and a study room of 299 pyeong. The room for sisters is 46 pyeong with a meeting room of 25 pyeong. The church office space is 13 pyeong.

At the gate to the church stands a statue of Jesus with the Sacred Heart. Inside the compound, there is an office structure where church supplies such as candles or religious objects may be purchased. In front of the church, there is a stand where candles can be lit as prayer offerings. Atop the roof of the archway in front of the church entrance is the belltower and a statue Kim Taegon (Saint Andrew Kim).


Songtan Central Presbyterian Church (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)


Songtan Central Presbyterian Church (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)


Songtan Catholic Church as seen from the Doolittle Gate side. The railspur runs below it and the old bomb dump is to the left.

After the Korean War, the population of the Songtan area steadily increased, though 70 percent of the population was located with 10 km of K-55. In 1963, Songtan-myeon became Songtan-eup (town). With many Catholics in the area and the local Catholics saw a need to buy land for a church. They bought the land in 1963 and Fr. Yun Kyong-hee (Victorino) was sent to Songtan to open the church on 22 Aug 1965. Seojong-ni St. Theresa's church split the Seojong-dong parish to create the Songtan Church.

From 18 Oct 1965 to 13 Nov 1967, Fr. Kang Hwan-yu (Johan) served as the first parish priest for the church. It was a very difficult time for the area and manager (chong hae-jang) Fr. Chae Jong-mook (Mateo) took care of the charity work. The area was still blighted with poverty and the poor needed help to survive.


Fr. Kang Hwan-yu, First Parish Priest

On 3 Oct 1966 the church bought another 165 pyeong near the church. In Apr 1967, another 45 pyeong was bought to expand the church area.

Between 13 Nov 1967 and 9 Nov 1972, Fr. Kim Chung-min (Philippo) served as the second parish priest to the church. Fr. Chae Jong-mook (Mateo) continued his charitable work with the community.

From 9 Oct 1972 to 15 Jul 1974, Fr. Cho Hwan-gil (Gregorio) served as the third parish priest. Again Fr. Chae Jong-mook (Mateo) continued his work to serve the people of Songtan.

On 31 Jul 1973, the Church purchased cemetary land in Shinwang-ri, Yam-myeon, Hwaseong-gun, Kyonggi-do. The land consists of 9,300 pyeong as a Catholic cemetary. Currently about 900 people are buried there.

Between 15 Jul 1974 and 18 Jun 1981, Fr. Yoon Seok-hwan (Joseph) became the fourth parish priest. He came after Songtan-myeon became a "town" as Songtan-eup (1981-1987). There were many problems as Songtan began to modernize its road systems in 1979 with the change to laying out the roads in a "grid pattern." Behind the church, a street was made that cut into the church property. All Catholics helped in raising funds for making a new church. Because of the ever increasing demands for work with the parishoners, the staff was increased to Fr. Chae Jong-mook (Mateo), Song Gi-won (Benedicto), Son Tae-shik (Peter).

10 May 1977, church built a pavilion (Kong-seo Kangdan) in Haehwa-ri Seotan-myeon. The church purchased land at 8-taun, Kumam-taun, Maduri-taun, Suweol-ami, and Haehwa-ri. Starting in 1978 till Feb 1980, Shim Cha-ja taught the children of the church.

Between 8 Jun 1981and 26 Feb 1985, Fr. Bae Yong-moo (Lawrence) served as the fifth parish priest. Son Dae-shik (Baeduro) and Cho Gi-seon (Thomas), Yun Kyu-yon (Antonio) took on the responsibility of the staff.

On 1 Jun 1982, made a church in Songsau, Pondang. 1,280 people moved to that church. On 28 Apr 1983, Kim Nam-su (Angelo) built a 380 pyeong church at Songsau, Pondang.

From 26 Feb 1985 to 5 Dec 1990, Fr. Shim Yeong-taek (Francisco) served as the sixth parish priest. Manager Cho Gi-seon (Thomas) continued in his position. Fr. Shim Yeong-taek added the mosaic and stained glass windows to the church.

On 1 Jun 1985, the church constructed a new church building for its 1,060 parishoners. The church bought the land for a small dispensary and across the street they put together the Shinyong Hyapdong Chohap office -- small bank for handling small banking needs.

Between 6 Dec 1990 and 2 Feb 1994, Fr. Kim Bong-hak (Paulu) served as the seventh parish priest. Park Yong-hyun (Daniano) took over as manager for the church. In 1990, under Fr. Kim Bong-hak, they formed for the first time a choir and altar boys added to assist with the masses. In Nov 1992, the church purchased 108 pyeong to the east of the church in order to enlarge the church.

From 2 Feb 1994 to 8 Feb 1995, Fr. Cheong Un-taek (Andrea) served as the eighth parish priest.

Between 8 Feb 1995 and 30 Jan 1998, Fr. Ahn Seong-no (Paulo) served as the ninth parish priest. Yun Hyu-yong (Antonio); Kim Mun-han (Joseph); and Kwan Dok-chul (Paemaedito) helped with the small bank across the street from the church as well as handling the remodeling of the church buildings.

On 27 Feb 1997, the Taekon kindergarten opened on Church grounds. The kindergarten remains in operation today and in 2006, it had 142 children enrolled.

From 30 Jan 1998 to 29 Jan 2002, Fr. Choi Chung-yeol (Mateo) served as the tenth parish priest. The managing staff was Kong Dong-chul (Benedicto); Kim Chu-hong (Ignacio); and Chong Yong-he (Mateo). After 1999, the youth groups of the church worked tirelessly to recruit new converts. In 2000, they prayed 100 times on the rosary for the welfare of the church. At that time, Park Yong-hwan came to the church and converted 260 people.

Between 29 Jan 2002 and 17 Nov 2005, Fr. Choi Kyeong-nam (Benedicto) served as the eleventh parish priest. Chong Yong-he (Mateo) remained in his position as manager and was assisted by Kwon Dok-chul (Benedicto). After 2004, Songtan Church was commended for its service to its parish by the hierarchy.

In 2005, Songtan Catholic Church held its 40th year anniversary. As part of its on-going social programs, it assisted 80 senior citizens to attend university. The church erected Usula House and Luise House to provide housing for the indigent elderly. The church engaged in the building of a 1,226 pyeong church in Seotan-myeon.

From 17 Nov 2005 to present, Fr. Chae Jae-pil (Andrew) has served as the twelfth parish priest. Twice a year a drive to attract converts to Catholicism is spearheaded by the youth of the church. In addition, the church is involved in many community service projects -- in addition to tending to the welfare of the Catholic parishoners.

---

Local History: Hanil Presbyterian Church (1974) The church was built in 1973 on its present site near the top of Hobak Hill in the area known as Goo-chang-teo. It is at the end of Jeyok Road. Its unique stairwell "steeple" has remained though there have been major renovations to the frontage of the building and the addition of a bell tower on the top of the "steeple". It is located near the Songtan Central Presbyterian Church with a parking lot across the street.

According to the Seongwang Church history, between 12 Feb 1972 and 9 Mar 1974, Rev. Yi Nak-hyun served as the sixth pastor of the Seongwang Church. However, on 9 Mar 1974, the Hanil Church was split away from the Seongwang Church and Rev. Yi Nak-hyun became its first pastor.

As of 2006, the Pastor is Rev. Lee Kook-hyun and there are approximately 300 in the congregation (not including children).


The Hanil Church is located at the end of Shinjang Road on the rise of Goo-chang-teo. (1977) (51st FW Historian Office)


The Hanil Church (Sep 2006) (Kalani O'Sullivan)