The series of thematic studies on "Learning Regulations From Church History" was organized at a church in China’s southern Guangdong Province.
This was the twelfth session titled "Independent Missionary Work Illuminating Southern Guangdong Towards Indigenization of Christianity" conducted at Guangxiao Church in Guangzhou on January 2, said Guangzhou CC&TSPM.
Senior Pastor Zhang Chengtao recounted the historical evolution of the church, narrating the self-supporting mission work of its faith predecessors. Rev. Zhou Donghua shared a spiritual reflection titled "Missionary Life: The Call of the Times."
Following Zhang's historical account, Rev. Chi Jianqing delivered a keynote speech themed "Mission View and Church View," based on the "Guangzhou Christian Rules and Regulations."
It's known that the history of Guangxiao Church can be traced back to the establishment by the Congregational Church in 1894, which marks a 130-year history.
Historical records indicate that in 1897, the Congregational Church established the "Xingdao Book Store," advocating for scientific culture and social change, recognized as the "Starting Point of the Chinese Reading Room" by the press. In 1921, due to the limited space in the original premises, which was unable to accommodate numerous believers, a new church was constructed on Guangxiao Road. The new church was completed in 1924. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Guangxiao Church joined the "War Area Service Corps" and the "Injured Soldiers Service Corps," rushing to the front lines of the anti-Japanese war.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Guangxiao Church participated in the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, practicing joint worship. Following the implementation of religious policies in 1979, Guangxiao Church reopened on November 24, 1991.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
