Under the organization of Guangzhou Municipal CC&TSPM, the 15th lecture in the "Learning Regulations From Church History" series resumed.
On February 27, the study commenced in the history of Shiqiao Church with the theme “Construction in Unity Rooted in Lingnan Culture.”
Shiqiao Church's 130-year existence began in 1894, when Pastor Huang Yuechu of the Swedish Evangelical Free Church of America (now the Evangelical Free Church of America) was assigned to preach in a rented house in Shiqiao Township. According to records, the Swedish Evangelical Free Church of America purchased the church and dedicated it on March 22, 1920. Meanwhile, Shiqiao Church also constructed Daoguang Primary School, Dade Primary School, and Shiguang Primary School to improve local education. The Swedish Evangelical Free Church of America has since developed Xinzao Market, Yuangang Church, Luobian Church, Shilou Church, and Dalong Church in Panyu District, southern Guangzhou.
After the implementation of the policies on freedom of religious belief in 1979, Shiqiao Church reopened in February 1982. On December 10, 2006, it moved to Shatou Street. Guangzhou Municipal CC&TSPM reconstructed a new church at the original site of Shiqiao Church and named it "Guangzhou Christian Panyu Church."
With a construction area of 7,704 square meters, Panyu Church has an architectural style that is harmonious with the characteristics of the times and the Lingnan style, featuring traditional Chinese architecture of pavilions and corridors in the structure. Designed to be a multi-functional church of sinicized Christianity, the main hall of this newly built church was completed on December 16, 2023.
- Translated by Poppy Chan
