A Pioneer in Korean Protestant Mission: Henry Appenzeller and Jeongdong First Methodist Church
Creatrip Team
a year ago
In the late 19th century, American Methodist missionary Henry Appenzeller played a significant role in shaping Korea's modern religious and cultural landscape. Arriving on Easter Sunday in 1885, Appenzeller founded Jeongdong First Methodist Church in Seoul, Korea's first Western-style church, which introduced modern practices such as pipe organ music and Western-style weddings. Appenzeller was also pivotal in establishing educational institutions like Baejae School, promoting English and Western modernity to eager Korean students. His enduring legacy includes fostering independence among Koreans, contributing to the 1919 March 1st Movement, and advocating for women's rights in education and society.
