A century-old church in Guangdong hosted a series of worship services to celebrate the completion of its renovation.
During the morning service at the Church of Our Savior on Sunday, June 16, Andrew Chan Au-ming, Primate of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church of Hong Kong), was invited to deliver a sermon.
Senior Pastor Wu Zhongwu of the church led the congregants in watching a video reviewing the renovation process. The church, with the site selected by Rev. Mok Sau Tsang, was founded in 1919. It was designed by a renowned architect and Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui believer named Lam Woo, and built through the contributions of both Chinese and foreign believers. Over the past century, the brick and wood structure of the church had suffered from termite damage and dampness, posing safety hazards. Preparation for the renovation began in 2020, with all necessary legal procedures and construction project bidding completed. The renovation commenced on September 18, 2023.
Additionally, three sermons titled "Foundation of Life," "Taking Up the Mission," and "Reestablishing a New Foundation" were given by three pastors from this church and Fangcun Church in the afternoon and evening. They encouraged believers to establish their spiritual foundation, undertake their mission, and grow their spiritual root.
In the afternoon, three events were held: a special lecture featuring being thankful for the church's renovation completion, an unveiling ceremony for the historical and cultural room, and an art exhibition featuring calligraphy, painting, and photography. Dr. Wu Ning, an associate researcher from the Guangdong Provincial Institute of Ethnic and Religious Studies, was invited to give a special lecture titled "A Person, A Book, and An Era – Discussing Rosewell Hobart Graves' Forty Years of Missionary Work in Guangzhou." He introduced Reverend Graves' significant contributions to modern Sino-Western exchanges in areas such as medicine, education, and publishing during his 57 years in China. Graves' book Forty Years in China: A Changing China provided insights into the societal transformations of late Qing China and offered perspectives on China's revival from the Christian community.
Before the plaque unveiling ceremony, Pastor Wu explained that the establishment of the historical and cultural room aimed to preserve the church's historical and cultural traditions and spiritual heritage, build a platform for cultural exchange in and outside the church, and promote the localization of Christianity in China. Pastor Wu then invited the guests to join him in the unveiling ceremony.
The third afternoon event titled the "Calligraphy, Painting, and Photography Art Exhibition" marked the first cultural activity since the establishment of the room. The church hall and corridors displayed numerous artworks, including calligraphy and paper-cutting creations by church members. Renowned calligrapher Han Xingguang was invited to showcase his calligraphy, further promoting the church's initiative of transcribing the Bible with Chinese brush pens.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
