The Korean church in America began in 1903 with the first immigrants arriving in Hawaii. As Reverend Jones encouraged the migration, it was largely initiated by American missionaries in Korea who recommended the move to their congregants. In a sense, the church played a foundational role in starting Korean immigration.
Most of the early immigrants to Hawaii were Christians from the Pyongan Province, where Christianity was thriving. These individuals, although living in urban areas, were part of the poor and marginalized social classes. They embraced Christianity with hope, believing that faith was essential for survival. In 1903 alone, over 400 of the Koreans who arrived in Hawaii were baptized Christians, and approximately 30 were evangelists. These evangelists fervently spread the gospel among the 8,000 Koreans who immigrated in the following two to three years.
The first worship service was held on July 4, 1903, only six months after their arrival, led by Evangelist Kim Yi-je at the Magnolia Sugar Plantation. On November 10 of the same year, Reverend Hong Seung-ha established the first Korean church in Honolulu, Hawaii. The church became a sanctuary for the Korean laborers, allowing them to gather weekly, speak their native language, reminisce about their homeland, and comfort one another. Recognizing its unique role in this immigrant society, the church also began teaching traditional Korean culture, including language, history, dance, folk songs, and art, to the second generation.
With the Eulsa Treaty of 1905 and the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910, a wave of political exiles and students arrived in the United States. These newcomers worked to take on leadership roles within the Korean-American community. However, the lines between the church’s spiritual mission and the independence movement were often blurred. Differences in ideology among leaders led to confusion and conflict within the churches, sometimes resulting in violent disputes that required police intervention or escalated into lawsuits. Despite these challenges, the church remained the heart of the Korean community and significantly contributed to education and cultural activities.
From 1903 to the 1950s, 15 Korean churches were established in California. However, due to financial difficulties, population movements, and internal divisions, only five survived, while ten closed down.
As Korea’s independence movement gained momentum, churches played a leading role in fundraising efforts. Contributions were referred to by various names such as “Patriotic Funds,” “Blood Contributions,” “National Support Funds,” and “Independence Funds,” varying by church. Congregants often gave a portion of their wages to support Korea’s liberation, in addition to regular offerings. It is no exaggeration to say that much of the funding for the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai came from Korean-Americans.
From the establishment of the first church in 1903 until Korea’s liberation in 1945, it is estimated that Korean churches in America raised over $3 million for the independence movement. Thus, early Korean churches in America served not only as a refuge for immigrants but also as cradles for the independence movement. They were places where Koreans exchanged news, supported one another, and explored ways to connect with American society.
San Francisco Korean United Methodist Church
The San Francisco Korean United Methodist Church was established through the first worship service held on September 23, 1903, attended by ten individuals, including Ahn Chang-ho and Lee Dae-wi. These participants were a diverse group of exiles, students, and ginseng merchants. At the time, there were about 25 Koreans living in San Francisco.
When the Great San Francisco Earthquake struck on April 18, 1904, church members moved to a shared residence in Oakland, arranged by the church’s mission board. On September 5, 1904, Ahn Chang-ho created a fellowship society to unite and connect Koreans. Worship services were initially held in rotation at members’ homes. By October 8, 1905, the group formally organized as the Korean Evangelical Society. Under Evangelist Moon Kyung-ho, services were held on weekends at Ellis Street, with about 50 congregants attending.
Prominent early members included Jeon Myung-woon, Jang In-hwan, Choi Jung-ik, Kim Sung-kwon, and others. On January 7, 1906, five members received baptism. That June, the church joined the Methodist denomination, with Evangelist Bang Hwa-jung serving as its leader. Later, Evangelist Yang Ju-sam delayed his studies to dedicate himself to the relief, enlightenment, and evangelistic work of the Korean community. With support from Pastor Lee Deok, Superintendent Acton of the Southern Methodist Mission, and others, Yang formally established the Korean Methodist Church in San Francisco on December 16, 1906.
Early Members of the San Francisco Korean Methodist Church – August 1, 1915
The church initially rented a three-story private residence at 2350 California Street. The first floor was used as a dining area, the second for worship, and the third as housing for church members. The church also offered night classes in English and served as a place of fellowship and evangelism, gathering about 25 Korean immigrants. In October 1907, the church moved to 2123 Bush Street, another three-story building.
On March 23, 1908, two congregants, Jang In-hwan and Jeon Myung-woon, assassinated Durham White Stevens, an American diplomat supporting Japanese colonial rule in Korea. Their patriotic actions turned the church into a hub for Korea’s independence movement from its early days.
The church began publishing the Korean Evangelical Bulletin on July 13, 1907, later renamed The Great Way in December 1908. This monthly Korean-language magazine was the first of its kind in America, sharing evangelistic messages, cultural education, and news from Korea. However, its anti-Japanese stance drew opposition from the mission board and financial challenges eventually halted publication.
Key editors of the magazine included Yang Ju-sam, Yoon Byung-gu, and Pastor Lee Dae-wi, who also served as the President of the Korean National Association. In 1915, the church used the Korean National Association building at 1053 Oak Street for worship. Recognizing the need for a dedicated facility, the Women’s Missionary Society initiated a church-building campaign. On June 1, 1930, the church at 1123 Powell Street was completed with funds from congregational offerings and mission board support. The dedication service was attended by over 200 congregants and local Koreans.
During the 1940s, six members of the church enlisted in the U.S. military. In 1959, the church transitioned from being part of the Methodist Pacific Missionary Conference to an independent foundation. The name was officially registered as San Francisco Korean Methodist Church on April 14, 1960, with property ownership transferred to the church. In 1968, the church adopted its current name, San Francisco Korean United Methodist Church. The congregation relocated to 3030 Judah Street, San Francisco, CA 94122, on May 15, 1994, where it continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for the Korean-American community.
Historical Leadership
Prominent pastors and leaders who served include:
- Evangelist Yang Ju-sam (1906–1909)
- Evangelist Yoon Byung-gu (1909–1910)
- Rev. Lee Dae-wi (1910–1928)
- Rev. Hwang Sa-sun (1928–1942)
- Rev. Kim Ha-tae (1942–1945, 1949–1953)
- Rev. An Byung-ju (1953–1960)
- Rev. Song Jung-ryul (1960–1977)
- Rev. Cha Won-tae (1977–1988)
- Rev. Yoo Suk-jong (1988–1999)
- Rev. Park Han-kyu (1999–2001)
- Rev. Kim Jin-ho (2001–2003)
- Rev. Kim Taek-kyu (2003–present)
Advertisements and Publications
- A 1907 Kongnip Shinbo advertisement detailed the church’s schedule: worship at 2 p.m. on Sundays, youth group at 8 p.m., prayer meetings on alternate evenings, and night school sessions. The ad also mentioned accommodations for Korean compatriots.
- In 1912, the church magazine The Great Way expressed gratitude for donations, noting Stockton merchant Heo Seung-won’s commitment to contribute 2.5 won monthly for missionary work.
The church remains a symbol of resilience and unity, deeply rooted in both faith and the Korean independence movement.
Oakland Korean (United) Methodist Church
On June 5, 1914, the first worship service was held at the home of Moon Won-chil under the guidance of Pastor Hwang Sa-young, a circuit minister of the Southern Methodist Church, arranged by Cho Seong-hak and Moon Won-chil. However, a record in the March 1912 issue of The Daedo, a monthly magazine published by the San Francisco Korean Methodist Church, states:
“The Young Men’s Association of our church expresses gratitude to the Young Men’s Association of the Oakland Methodist Church for sending a monthly contribution of 2 won 50 jeon and 64 jeon from the Women’s Association to support evangelism efforts.”
This suggests that the church already existed at that time. Moon Won-chil ran a small grocery store on Webster Street between 7th and 8th Streets, where worship services were also held.
The Oakland Methodist Church, established in Oakland in 1914.
Establishment of the Oakland Methodist Church in 1914
In 1917, the church invited Evangelist Lim Jeong-gu, who was studying at Pacific Theological Seminary, to serve as their minister. Worship services were moved to the home of Cho Seong-hak, where they continued for six years. On February 8, 1922, the worship location moved to Lim Jeong-gu’s residence, at which point the church membership reached around 20 people, laying the foundation for formal church establishment. Lim was ordained as a pastor in the Methodist Church in 1929.
In January 1929, the church negotiated with the Southern Methodist Mission Board. On March 2, Pastor David presided over the establishment of the church, appointing Lim Jeong-gu as pastor and No Shin-tae as assistant minister, officially affiliating the Oakland Korean Methodist Church with the Southern Methodist Church. Pastor Lim Jeong-gu served for 22 years until his passing in 1939 at the age of 54. His daughter, Catherine Lim, served as the church organist for 11 years.
Subsequent Developments
After Pastor Lim’s death, there was frequent turnover among ministers. During World War II, Pastor Park Yong-hak was drafted into the military twice, and Kim Chang-soo, who served as an assistant minister at the San Francisco and Oakland Methodist Churches, enlisted as a soldier and later became a military doctor, serving in Korea. Pastor Im Du-hwa served briefly in 1945, but the church experienced a pastoral vacancy for several years afterward.
Pastor Lee Jin-mook, a student at Pacific Theological Seminary, was particularly active in missionary work in Sacramento, reflecting the agricultural occupations of many church members.
In 1938, the church acquired a house on Webster Street and converted it into a sanctuary. A dedication service was held on December 20, marking the first church-owned building. In July 1941, the church moved to 520 Harrison Street, experiencing its peak. The building, a former Japanese Methodist Church, became vacant after its Japanese owner was forcibly relocated during World War II.
In 1951, the church purchased a building at 359 MacArthur Boulevard and held a dedication service. Membership fluctuated, peaking at 70 members but sometimes dwindling to as few as 12. By 1959, the church faced closure. Later, it rented a church at 3525 Kansas Street until June 27, 1984, when it purchased its current building at 737 East 17th Street for $550,000. An entry service was held on August 5, followed by the church’s 70th-anniversary celebration on August 12.
Women’s Association and Community Support
The Women’s Association was particularly active, collecting special dues of $1 to $7.50 and supporting the church during financial difficulties by selling handmade dumplings to nearby white, Chinese, and Filipino churches. They also consistently sent clothes and missionary funds to Korea.
Historical Highlights
- 1907, October 11: The Kongnip Shinbo reported the establishment of a public hall in Sacramento, with Korean evangelist Yang Joo-sam conducting services.
- 1912, February: The magazine Daedo mentioned evangelism efforts in Stockton by Kang Young-so and Shin Seong-won.
- 1918, September 22: Dedication of Manteca Korean Mission Church, the first building constructed collectively by Northern California Koreans.
Current Address
737 E. 17th Street, Oakland, CA 94606
Korean Churches in Sacramento and Other Early Communities in the U.S.
Sacramento (Also Called “Sakdo”) Korean Church
On October 11, 1907, the Gongnip Sinbo announced the establishment of a Korean church in Sacramento, stating, “With the new establishment of a public hall in Sacramento, Missionary Yang Joo-sam from the San Francisco Korean Meeting Hall decided to dedicate one room in the public hall for worship and evangelism on designated service days, a positive development for the Korean community.”
An October 18 article added, “On October 13, at 3 PM, the first worship service was held in this hall. Twenty Koreans and eighteen American guests attended. Bishop Redick delivered a sermon on John 15:4 in English, translated into Korean by Missionary Yang Joo-sam, which deeply moved the congregation. Mrs. Chairwoman of the Methodist Women’s Missionary Society also expressed her joy in a speech. Night school classes were introduced, with early leadership by Jeong In-pyo and Kim Yoo-taek.”
Additional Milestones:
- November 8, 1907: Night school classes were established within the Korean church, with instruction in English and composition by a Western teacher.
- February 4, 1912: Reverend Lee Dae-wee from San Francisco gathered Koreans in Mr. Lee Eung-mok’s lodging for worship, planning to meet regularly every Sunday.
- July 13, 1913: Reports noted that the Sacramento Korean community demonstrated moral growth, with increasing church attendance and engagement in Bible study and discussions three evenings a week.
- July 16, 1914: Fundraising efforts for church expansion collected 87 won and 50 jeon, and many were baptized that day.
- December 6, 1917: Thanksgiving services were held at the Sacramento Korean Church.
Stockton Korean Methodist Mission
The February 1912 Daedo magazine reported on evangelism efforts by Kang Young-so, a youth missionary from San Francisco, in Stockton. Services were initially held at Shin Seong-won’s lodging, with regular meetings planned.
In October 1924, Stockton Koreans purchased a building on Colorado Avenue, becoming the first Korean self-established church in the U.S. A dedication service led by Pastor Kim Tak was held on November 5, 1924. However, due to the migration of Korean laborers, the mission closed in February 1936. Proceeds from selling the property were donated to the Delano mission.
Mountain View Korean Methodist Church
While the exact founding date of the Mountain View church remains unknown, records from 1915 indicate its active presence.
- August 19, 1915: Notices included Mountain View in the Korean Methodist Church’s quarterly schedule.
Manteca Korean Methodist Mission
On February 22, 1916, the Shinhan Minbo reported a church dedication ceremony held on February 12 in Manteca, attended by over 60 congregants. Reverend Hwang Sa-yong led the effort, with support from Stockton and San Francisco leaders.
- The Manteca congregation constructed a church building in 1917, with financial and land contributions from the local Korean community.
- September 22, 1918: A dedication ceremony was conducted by Reverend Hwang, marking five years of worship services.
The Manteca Korean Methodist Church, established in 1916.
Miscellaneous Church-Related Articles
Purpose of the Korean Union Church Bulletin
(Published in Gongnip Sinbo on July 19, 1907)
“… In this era where organizations publish their own bulletins to foster communication, cooperation, and competition, newspapers and magazines are revered like kings, cherished like mentors, and valued even more than food. Some would skip a meal, but not their newspaper. Churches are no different. In the United States, all churches have union bulletins, denominations have general bulletins, and even individual congregations have daily or monthly bulletins. This makes the world feel like one household and distant lands seem close. … Yet, alas, the Korean churches in America are not the same. Despite 34 church locations and 400 members, there is no bulletin to facilitate communication or provide mutual encouragement. This lack hinders the fulfillment of God’s will…
Those willing to contribute to this bulletin should send their donations to Evangelist Yang Ju-sam or Bang Hwa-jung at the San Francisco church.
The temporary office for this bulletin is established within the Korean Union Church in San Francisco.
July 13, 1909
Organizers:
- Bang Hwa-jung, Presbyterian Church Missionary
- Yang Ju-sam, Methodist Church Evangelist
- Yi Jeong-rae, Member of the Miimi Church
Korean Union Church Bulletin Temporary Office:
2350 California St., San Francisco, California
March 15, 1917 (Shinhan Minbo)
The Northern California Korean Methodist District Conference convened on March 9 at 2:30 PM at the Korean Chapel on Oak Street in San Francisco. Attendees included:
- Supervisor Lambert
- Superintendent Acton
- Korean pastors Yi Dae-wi and Hwang Sa-yong
- Local evangelists Hwang Sa-seon and Im Jeong-gu
- Regional representatives:
- San Francisco: Park Eul-yong, Ha Sang-ok
- Manteca: Choi Neung-ik, Han Chi-hong
- Stockton: Shin Seong-won
North American Korean Church Assembly
On December 27, 1917, the North American Korean Church Assembly was organized at the Korean Chapel in Dinuba, Central California, with the goal of advancing Korean churches in North America.
Key objectives:
- Research evangelism strategies.
- Publish a North American Korean Church Bulletin.
- Report the status of each church to the assembly.
- Encourage each church to hold at least one Bible study meeting annually.
- Urge churches to manage their finances responsibly.
- Notify the church when a member relocates.
- Develop strategies to ensure Korean congregants in America observe the Sabbath faithfully.
January 2, 1918
Chairman: Yi Dae-seo
Secretary: Han Seung-gon
North American Korean Student Mission and Korean Independence Advocacy
(Shinhan Minbo, July 17, 1919)
The North American Korean Student Mission has been active for 1 year and 4 months. Following directives from the Korean National Association, the Provisional Government, and others, this organization aims to:
- Raise global awareness of the plight of Koreans.
- Collaborate with religious organizations to seek moral support.
With 130 members, the mission has expanded operations in California, appointing Rev. Han Seung-gwon for northern California and Cha Jeong-sik for the southern region.
Activities include publishing detailed reports on Korea’s independence movement and sending 5,000 prayer letters to churches worldwide, urging prayer and support for Korea and its churches.
October 8, 1942 (Shinhan Minbo): Addresses of Northern and Central California Korean Churches
- Korean Woman’s Missionary Society: 1966 San Pablo St., Oakland, CA
- Korean M.E. Church: 1123 Powell St., San Francisco, CA
- Korean M.E. Church: 520 Harrison St., Oakland, CA
- Korean M.E. Church: P.O. Box 1014, Delano, CA
- Korean M.E. Church: P.O. Box 623, Danuba, CA
- Korean Presbyterian Church: 1419 J St., Reedley, CA
Early Churches in Other Areas
- November 3, 1903: Rev. Hong Seung-ha officially organized the “Korean Evangelical Society” in Honolulu, marking the beginning of Korean Methodist Churches in Hawaii.
- February 10, 1905: The Korean Anglican Church was founded in Honolulu.
- Early 1906: Bang Hwa-jung, then in San Francisco, collaborated with Rev. Samuel Moffett in Los Angeles to establish the Korean Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles. The church became self-governed under Rev. Kim Jung-soo in 1929.
- May 16, 1915: Koreans in Santa Ana worked with Rev. Richard to establish a mission for Korean laborers. Despite efforts by Evangelist Hong Chi-beom, the mission was dissolved after three years.
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