A February 2008 photograph of members of the New Covenant A February 2008 photograph of members of the New Covenant of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, one of United Methodist Church of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, one of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Korean congregations. Eastern Pennsylvania’s Korean congregations.

Immigrant Churches: Korean Immigrant Churches: Korean in Eastern Pennsylvania Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania

by Rev. Dr. K. Kale Yu (2010) by Rev. Dr. K. Kale Yu (2010)

Editor’s Note: KeyOne Kale Yu is an ordained elder in the Eastern Editor’s Note: KeyOne Kale Yu is an ordained elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, who grew up in Philadelphia attending a Korean Pennsylvania Conference, who grew up in Philadelphia attending a Korean immigrant congregation. He received his M. Div from Princeton Theological immigrant congregation. He received his M. Div from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1999, and earned his Ph. D from Columbia University in 2009. Seminary in 1999, and earned his Ph. D from Columbia University in 2009.

On Sunday, September 27, 2009, a large assembly of 330 persons On Sunday, September 27, 2009, a large assembly of 330 persons came together at Lighthouse Fellowship UMC in Glenside, Pennsylvania came together at Lighthouse Fellowship UMC in Glenside, Pennsylvania to celebrate the start of Lighthouse Korean UMC, which had begun to celebrate the start of Lighthouse Korean UMC, which had begun Korean-language worship services at Lighthouse Fellowship UMC on Korean-language worship services at Lighthouse Fellowship UMC on July 26, 2009.1 With Rev. Dr. Byung Woo Cho and his wife, Eunmi Cho, July 26, 2009.1 With Rev. Dr. Byung Woo Cho and his wife, Eunmi Cho, as the church planters, the new church celebration on September 27 was as the church planters, the new church celebration on September 27 was a grand event, attended by Bishop Peggy A. Johnson of the Eastern a grand event, attended by Bishop Peggy A. Johnson of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and a group of conference officials, including Pennsylvania Conference and a group of conference officials, including Rev. Lillian Smith, Director of Connectional Ministries, Rev. Irving Rev. Lillian Smith, Director of Connectional Ministries, Rev. Irving Cotto, Director of Congregational Development, and Rev. Dorothy Cotto, Director of Congregational Development, and Rev. Dorothy Watson Tatum, District Superintendent of the East District, to which Watson Tatum, District Superintendent of the East District, to which Lighthouse Korean UMC belongs. Representing the national Korean Lighthouse Korean UMC belongs. Representing the national Korean caucus, Rev. Dr. Paul Chang, Executive Director of the UMC Council on caucus, Rev. Dr. Paul Chang, Executive Director of the UMC Council on Korean American Ministries gave congratulatory remarks. Representing Korean American Ministries gave congratulatory remarks. Representing the jurisdictional leadership of Korean UM churches, Revs. Hye Kyung the jurisdictional leadership of Korean UM churches, Revs. Hye Kyung Kang and Rev. Chongil Kim read Scripture and gave congratulatory Kang and Rev. Chongil Kim read Scripture and gave congratulatory remarks, respectively. remarks, respectively.

1Suzy Keenan, “New Korean Church Celebrates Beginning,” Newspirit 9:8 1Suzy Keenan, “New Korean Church Celebrates Beginning,” Newspirit 9:8 (October 2009), 1. Rev. Cynthia Brubaker, the senior pastor at Lighthouse Fellowship (October 2009), 1. Rev. Cynthia Brubaker, the senior pastor at Lighthouse Fellowship UMC said, “Partnership is what we are working toward. We are stepping across comfort UMC said, “Partnership is what we are working toward. We are stepping across comfort and language lines to help and be present praying for one another. Often there is a feeling and language lines to help and be present praying for one another. Often there is a feeling of ‘us and them’ in this kind of arrangement – we’re working toward being ‘we’ –that we of ‘us and them’ in this kind of arrangement – we’re working toward being ‘we’ –that we really are only one body. We’ve been intentional about that all along.” Ibid. really are only one body. We’ve been intentional about that all along.” Ibid.

3 3

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Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, who wore for the event a beautiful Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, who wore for the event a beautiful pink hanbok, a traditional Korean formal wear, delivered the sermon pink hanbok, a traditional Korean formal wear, delivered the sermon entitled “Think About These Things,” based on Philippians 4:8-9. entitled “Think About These Things,” based on Philippians 4:8-9. Reflecting on the multicultural context of the new church, Bishop Reflecting on the multicultural context of the new church, Bishop Johnson said, “We still struggle and draw lines of race, gender and class. Johnson said, “We still struggle and draw lines of race, gender and class. I hope that everyone will be welcomed in your new church: people of all I hope that everyone will be welcomed in your new church: people of all races, all languages, the rich ones, the poor ones, the ones you like, and races, all languages, the rich ones, the poor ones, the ones you like, and the ones you don’t like, and people with disabilities.”2 She added, “In all the ones you don’t like, and people with disabilities.”2 She added, “In all things trust in God to provide, be content in the things God will be things trust in God to provide, be content in the things God will be giving you, and you know God will see you through. I thank God for giving you, and you know God will see you through. I thank God for your ministry to the Lord and for this wonderful new beginning!”3 your ministry to the Lord and for this wonderful new beginning!”3 Filling most of the pews in the celebration event were Korean Filling most of the pews in the celebration event were Korean Methodists from the greater Philadelphia area. Over two dozen Korean Methodists from the greater Philadelphia area. Over two dozen Korean Methodist pastors and officials attended the celebration. As a tribute, Methodist pastors and officials attended the celebration. As a tribute, the worship included music from the women’s ensemble of Delaware the worship included music from the women’s ensemble of Delaware First UMC, the choir of First Korean UMC of Cherry Hill, a men’s First UMC, the choir of First Korean UMC of Cherry Hill, a men’s ensemble, and soloists Jang Gi Baek and Joseph Park. After the event, all ensemble, and soloists Jang Gi Baek and Joseph Park. After the event, all were welcomed to a Korean dinner, and members of Lighthouse were welcomed to a Korean dinner, and members of Lighthouse Fellowship played an integral role in the hospitality. Fellowship played an integral role in the hospitality. The development of Lighthouse Korean UMC was an example of The development of Lighthouse Korean UMC was an example of the connectional system of the United Methodist Church. The new the connectional system of the United Methodist Church. The new church start was a collaborative effort undertaken among various church start was a collaborative effort undertaken among various agencies, episcopal leaders, and conference offices. In his congratulatory agencies, episcopal leaders, and conference offices. In his congratulatory remark, Rev. Paul Chang of the National Korean Caucus said, remark, Rev. Paul Chang of the National Korean Caucus said, “Connectional means we are not alone. The annual conference, the “Connectional means we are not alone. The annual conference, the [Korean] National Plan, and the whole Korean community are with you, [Korean] National Plan, and the whole Korean community are with you, and more important, God is with you.”4 Rev. Cotto echoed the and more important, God is with you.”4 Rev. Cotto echoed the sentiment. Cotto said, “It is encouraging to know that our annual sentiment. Cotto said, “It is encouraging to know that our annual conference and the National Plan for Korean American Ministries are conference and the National Plan for Korean American Ministries are committed to a ministry with and for the Korean community in the committed to a ministry with and for the Korean community in the Philadelphia area.”5 Philadelphia area.”5

2Keenan, 1. 2Keenan, 1. 3Ibid. 3Ibid. 4Ibid. 4Ibid. 5Ibid. Cotto continued, “We are all called to do our part in living out God’s 5Ibid. Cotto continued, “We are all called to do our part in living out God’s vision of unity, mutuality, inclusivity, and reconciliation that there is an urgent need to vision of unity, mutuality, inclusivity, and reconciliation that there is an urgent need to provide along the journey, places and spaces where people with language needs, provide along the journey, places and spaces where people with language needs, immigration needs, and particular cultural needs are given special attention.” immigration needs, and particular cultural needs are given special attention.”

Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 5 Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 5

A photograph taken at the opening worship services for Lighthouse A photograph taken at the opening worship services for Lighthouse Korean United Methodist Church in September 2009. Left to right: Korean United Methodist Church in September 2009. Left to right: EunMi Cho, Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, and Rev. Byung Woo Cho. EunMi Cho, Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, and Rev. Byung Woo Cho. ------

As the Korean National Plan, led by the UMC Council on As the Korean National Plan, led by the UMC Council on Korean American Ministries, looked to expand the number of Korean Korean American Ministries, looked to expand the number of Korean American churches in the Northeast Jurisdiction, a church in the American churches in the Northeast Jurisdiction, a church in the Philadelphia area was identified. Paul Chang, of the UMC Council on Philadelphia area was identified. Paul Chang, of the UMC Council on Korean American Ministries, a wing of General Board of Global Korean American Ministries, a wing of General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), recommended a new church plant in Eastern Ministries (GBGM), recommended a new church plant in Eastern Pennsylvania. Bishop Jeremiah Park, the episcopal leader of the New Pennsylvania. Bishop Jeremiah Park, the episcopal leader of the New York Annual Conference, met with Lillian Smith to discuss the potential York Annual Conference, met with Lillian Smith to discuss the potential of starting a new church in Eastern Pennsylvania in 2008. In the fall of of starting a new church in Eastern Pennsylvania in 2008. In the fall of that year, Sungnam Choi, the Director of Korean, Asian American, and that year, Sungnam Choi, the Director of Korean, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders Ministries of the General Board of Discipleship Pacific Islanders Ministries of the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), brokered a meeting between the local Korean pastors in the (GBOD), brokered a meeting between the local Korean pastors in the Philadelphia area and Bishop Johnson, Lillian Smith and Irving Cotto. Philadelphia area and Bishop Johnson, Lillian Smith and Irving Cotto. During the meeting, the Korean pastors expressed a desire to see another During the meeting, the Korean pastors expressed a desire to see another Korean church in Eastern Pennsylvania. The connectional imprint of Korean church in Eastern Pennsylvania. The connectional imprint of Lighthouse Korean UMC is also reflected in the funding of the church, Lighthouse Korean UMC is also reflected in the funding of the church, which is supported by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, the Korean which is supported by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, the Korean National Plan of GBGM, and partnering Korean churches. National Plan of GBGM, and partnering Korean churches. The Lighthouse Korean UMC is the latest Korean UM church in The Lighthouse Korean UMC is the latest Korean UM church in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Currently, there are a total of five the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Currently, there are a total of five

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Korean congregations in the conference. In addition to Lighthouse Korean congregations in the conference. In addition to Lighthouse Korean UMC (Glenside), First Korean UMC (Prospectville), New Korean UMC (Glenside), First Korean UMC (Prospectville), New Covenant Korean UMC (Drexel Hill), Bensalem Korean UMC Covenant Korean UMC (Drexel Hill), Bensalem Korean UMC (Bensalem), and Bethlehem Korean UMC (Bethlehem) serve the Korean (Bensalem), and Bethlehem Korean UMC (Bethlehem) serve the Korean community. The fact that Korean UM churches only appeared in the last community. The fact that Korean UM churches only appeared in the last forty years reflected the changes in the US immigration laws. Prior to the forty years reflected the changes in the US immigration laws. Prior to the 1964 Immigration Act, the Korean American population was so small 1964 Immigration Act, the Korean American population was so small that sociologists described the pre-1965 Korean American population as that sociologists described the pre-1965 Korean American population as “invisible.”6 “invisible.”6 The impact of the 1965 Immigration Act was immediate and The impact of the 1965 Immigration Act was immediate and profound. The Korean American population in 1970 rose above ten profound. The Korean American population in 1970 rose above ten thousand for the first time in US history.7 In the year 1974 alone, the thousand for the first time in US history.7 In the year 1974 alone, the total number of Korean immigrants surpassed the combined number total number of Korean immigrants surpassed the combined number prior to 1965.8 Since 1973, Koreans have been the “third largest Asian prior to 1965.8 Since 1973, Koreans have been the “third largest Asian immigrant group” after Filipinos and Chinese.9 About 70 percent of immigrant group” after Filipinos and Chinese.9 About 70 percent of Koreans in the in 1980 entered the United States after Koreans in the United States in 1980 entered the United States after 1965. “The Korean share of the United States total immigration rose from 1965. “The Korean share of the United States total immigration rose from 0.7 percent in 1969, to 3.8 percent in 1973, to 6.2 percent in 1985.”10 With 0.7 percent in 1969, to 3.8 percent in 1973, to 6.2 percent in 1985.”10 With the Korean American population reaching 800,000 in 1990 and 1.1 million the Korean American population reaching 800,000 in 1990 and 1.1 million in 2000, “the Korean American population witnessed a 15-fold increase in 2000, “the Korean American population witnessed a 15-fold increase between 1970 and 2000.”11 between 1970 and 2000.”11 Like other immigrants who entered the United States, Korean Like other immigrants who entered the United States, Korean immigrants gravitated toward urban areas. Although Los Angeles, immigrants gravitated toward urban areas. Although Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York became the top three cities with the highest Chicago, and New York became the top three cities with the highest Korean immigrant population, the Korean population in metro Korean immigrant population, the Korean population in metro Philadelphia region also began to increase in the 1970s. According to the Philadelphia region also began to increase in the 1970s. According to the 1993 Statistical Abstracts of the United States, the Korean population in 1993 Statistical Abstracts of the United States, the Korean population in Philadelphia increased 125.3 percent from 1980 to 1990.12 In 1980, the Philadelphia increased 125.3 percent from 1980 to 1990.12 In 1980, the

6Won Moo Hurh and Kwang Chung Kim, Korean Immigrants in America 6Won Moo Hurh and Kwang Chung Kim, Korean Immigrants in America (Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1984), 21. (Madison, NJ: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 1984), 21. 7Ilsoo Kim, New Urban Immigrants: The Korean Community in New York (Princeton: 7Ilsoo Kim, New Urban Immigrants: The Korean Community in New York (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981), 26. Princeton University Press, 1981), 26. 8Won Moo Hurh and Kwang Chung Kim, Korean Immigrants in America, 210. 8Won Moo Hurh and Kwang Chung Kim, Korean Immigrants in America, 210. 9David Jacobson, The Immigration Reader (Boston: Wiley Blackwell, 1998), 155. 9David Jacobson, The Immigration Reader (Boston: Wiley Blackwell, 1998), 155. 10Harry Kitano and Roger Daniels, Asian Americans: Emerging Minorities. 10Harry Kitano and Roger Daniels, Asian Americans: Emerging Minorities. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1988), 111. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1988), 111. 11Pyong Gap Min, Asian American: Contemporary Trends and Issues (Thousand Oaks, 11Pyong Gap Min, Asian American: Contemporary Trends and Issues (Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press, 2006), 234. CA: Pine Forge Press, 2006), 234. 12Quoted in Jae-Hyup Lee, Dynamics of Ethnic Identity: Three Asian American 12Quoted in Jae-Hyup Lee, Dynamics of Ethnic Identity: Three Asian American Communities in Philadelphia (NY: Routledge, 1998), 47. Communities in Philadelphia (NY: Routledge, 1998), 47.

Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 7 Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 7

United Methodist Reporter estimated that the Korean population in the United Methodist Reporter estimated that the Korean population in the greater Philadelphia area was about 30,000.13 greater Philadelphia area was about 30,000.13 Wherever Korean immigrants settled, Korean church leaders Wherever Korean immigrants settled, Korean church leaders took the initiative to establish Korean churches in their communities. took the initiative to establish Korean churches in their communities. Peter Chen, a Chinese American who was the assistant general secretary Peter Chen, a Chinese American who was the assistant general secretary of the United Methodist Church’s National Division, remarked that the of the United Methodist Church’s National Division, remarked that the Korean American church was a “high yield enterprise because 80 percent Korean American church was a “high yield enterprise because 80 percent of the Korean immigrants are potential members of our church.”14 Claire of the Korean immigrants are potential members of our church.”14 Claire Kim wrote, “A remarkable 75 percent of Korean immigrant families in Kim wrote, “A remarkable 75 percent of Korean immigrant families in the United States were affiliated with a Korean American Protestant the United States were affiliated with a Korean American Protestant church in the early 1990s.”15 Carnes and Yang wrote, “In a 1997-98 survey, church in the early 1990s.”15 Carnes and Yang wrote, “In a 1997-98 survey, 79 percent of Korean immigrants in New York City reported that they 79 percent of Korean immigrants in New York City reported that they were Christians. are also very active in their religion. were Christians. Korean Americans are also very active in their religion. In a 1986 survey, 67 percent of Koreans said that they attended a Korean In a 1986 survey, 67 percent of Koreans said that they attended a Korean church at least every two weeks. In the 1997-98 New York City survey, church at least every two weeks. In the 1997-98 New York City survey, an astounding 89 percent reported that they attended church at least an astounding 89 percent reported that they attended church at least once or twice a month, most reporting church attendance once or more a once or twice a month, most reporting church attendance once or more a week.”16 Metro Los Angeles had the highest number of Korean churches week.”16 Metro Los Angeles had the highest number of Korean churches with 390.17 with 390.17 In 1985, a celebration event took place at the Philadelphia In 1985, a celebration event took place at the Philadelphia Korean Central Church to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Korean Central Church to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Protestant resident missionary to Korea in 1885. arrival of the first Protestant resident missionary to Korea in 1885. Bishop F. Herbert Skeete attended the event and offered congratulatory Bishop F. Herbert Skeete attended the event and offered congratulatory remarks.18 Also in attendance was Rev. Arthur Dodson, the remarks.18 Also in attendance was Rev. Arthur Dodson, the grandnephew of Henry G. Appenzeller, the first resident Methodist grandnephew of Henry G. Appenzeller, the first resident Methodist missionary to Korea, who offered good wishes to the Korean church. The missionary to Korea, who offered good wishes to the Korean church. The moderator of the celebration event was Rev. Paul C. Kim, pastor of the moderator of the celebration event was Rev. Paul C. Kim, pastor of the Philadelphia Korean congregation (which later became Bensalem Korean Philadelphia Korean congregation (which later became Bensalem Korean

13The United Methodist Reporter 8:23 (May 16, 1980), 1. 13The United Methodist Reporter 8:23 (May 16, 1980), 1. 14“Koreans are Fastest-Growing Ethnic Minority; 80% of Immigrants are 14“Koreans are Fastest-Growing Ethnic Minority; 80% of Immigrants are Potential Members,” in United Methodist Relay 22:3 (April 1977), 7. Potential Members,” in United Methodist Relay 22:3 (April 1977), 7. 15Claire Kim, Bitter Fruit: The Politics of Black-Korean Conflict in New York City (New 15Claire Kim, Bitter Fruit: The Politics of Black-Korean Conflict in New York City (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2000), 166. Haven: Yale University Press, 2000), 166. 16Tony Carnes and Fenggang Yang, “Introduction,” in Asian American Religions: 16Tony Carnes and Fenggang Yang, “Introduction,” in Asian American Religions: The Making and Remaking of Borders and Boundaries, Tony Carnes and Fenggang Yang, eds. The Making and Remaking of Borders and Boundaries, Tony Carnes and Fenggang Yang, eds. (New York: NYU Press, 2004), 48. (New York: NYU Press, 2004), 48. 17After Los Angeles, metro NYC had 180 churches; San Francisco and northern 17After Los Angeles, metro NYC had 180 churches; San Francisco and northern California had 150; metro Chicago had 120; and metro Washington DC had 80; Ibid. California had 150; metro Chicago had 120; and metro Washington DC had 80; Ibid. 18Doris Patterson, “United Service Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Korean 18Doris Patterson, “United Service Celebrates 100th Anniversary of the Korean Church,” in The United Methodist Reporter 132:2 (June 14, 1985), 1. Church,” in The United Methodist Reporter 132:2 (June 14, 1985), 1.

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Bishop Hae Jong Kim, who was the first Korean American to serve as a Bishop Hae Jong Kim, who was the first Korean American to serve as a District Superintendent, and to be elected a Bishop in the United District Superintendent, and to be elected a Bishop in the United Methodist Church. He was elected to the episcopacy in 1992, serving Methodist Church. He was elected to the episcopacy in 1992, serving the New York West and Pittsburgh areas, before his retirement in the New York West and Pittsburgh areas, before his retirement in 2004. In 2005, he resigned from the episcopal office. 2004. In 2005, he resigned from the episcopal office. ------

UMC).19 Kim, who was serving as the President of the Council of Korean UMC).19 Kim, who was serving as the President of the Council of Korean Churches at the time, stated that the greater Philadelphia area had Churches at the time, stated that the greater Philadelphia area had seventy Korean churches.20 The vast majority of these were Presbyterian, seventy Korean churches.20 The vast majority of these were Presbyterian, while Methodist churches accounted for only three in 1985. while Methodist churches accounted for only three in 1985. Although Presbyterianism is the largest Protestant denomi- Although Presbyterianism is the largest Protestant denomi- nation among Korean and Korean American churches, the bureaucratic nation among Korean and Korean American churches, the bureaucratic nature of the United Methodist Church may have discouraged the nature of the United Methodist Church may have discouraged the growth of Korean Methodist churches in the Philadelphia area. The growth of Korean Methodist churches in the Philadelphia area. The Korean Presbyterian pastors started churches where Korean immigrants Korean Presbyterian pastors started churches where Korean immigrants took residence and quickly mobilized a congregation. The congrega- took residence and quickly mobilized a congregation. The congrega- tional polity of Presbyterians enabled Korean pastors to independently tional polity of Presbyterians enabled Korean pastors to independently start new churches without a bureaucratic process. On the other hand, start new churches without a bureaucratic process. On the other hand,

19Patterson, 1. 19Patterson, 1. 20Ibid. On Henry Appenzeller, a native of Eastern Pennsylvania Methodism, see 20Ibid. On Henry Appenzeller, a native of Eastern Pennsylvania Methodism, see Kent E. Kroehler, “A Century After: The Legacy of the Appenzellers, Pioneer Kent E. Kroehler, “A Century After: The Legacy of the Appenzellers, Pioneer Missionaries to Korea,” in Annals of Eastern Pennsylvania, No. 2 (2005), 15-34. Missionaries to Korea,” in Annals of Eastern Pennsylvania, No. 2 (2005), 15-34.

Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 9 Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 9

Korean Methodist pastors needed the support and approval of officials Korean Methodist pastors needed the support and approval of officials and leaders in the Annual Conference to start churches. As first- and leaders in the Annual Conference to start churches. As first- generation immigrants, Korean pastors encountered many cultural, generation immigrants, Korean pastors encountered many cultural, religious, and language hurdles when working with the denomination. religious, and language hurdles when working with the denomination. The former Bishop Hae Jong Kim, who was the first Korean The former Bishop Hae Jong Kim, who was the first Korean American bishop in the UMC, began more than twenty Korean American bishop in the UMC, began more than twenty Korean Methodist churches in and New York, but convincing Methodist churches in New Jersey and New York, but convincing church leaders to support ethnic-language churches proved difficult as church leaders to support ethnic-language churches proved difficult as he faced resistance from the majority church. Kim wrote, “At first it was he faced resistance from the majority church. Kim wrote, “At first it was difficult to convince annual conference leaders, including the Bishop, difficult to convince annual conference leaders, including the Bishop, that we needed to provide ‘language ministries’ to the Korean that we needed to provide ‘language ministries’ to the Korean community. We needed to prove that there was a significant Korean community. We needed to prove that there was a significant Korean population.”21 Hae Jong Kim, who was bi-lingual and bi-cultural, was population.”21 Hae Jong Kim, who was bi-lingual and bi-cultural, was able to effectively communicate and persuade the church leadership of able to effectively communicate and persuade the church leadership of the golden opportunity with Korean immigrants. However, if the Bishop the golden opportunity with Korean immigrants. However, if the Bishop and church officials of any Annual Conference were against Korean- and church officials of any Annual Conference were against Korean- language churches, they effectively negated the start of new churches. language churches, they effectively negated the start of new churches.

KOREAN METHODIST CHURCHES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA KOREAN METHODIST CHURCHES IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

Rev. Paul C. Kim (or Ki-chul Kim), who was the founding pastor Rev. Paul C. Kim (or Ki-chul Kim), who was the founding pastor of the Philadelphia Korean congregation, started the first Korean of the Philadelphia Korean congregation, started the first Korean Methodist church in the Philadelphia area in 1975.22 Based in the Methodist church in the Philadelphia area in 1975.22 Based in the northeast, Kim’s church first met at the Church of the Redeemer UMC, northeast, Kim’s church first met at the Church of the Redeemer UMC, located at Cottman and Lawndale Aves. The congregation became located at Cottman and Lawndale Aves. The congregation became Bensalem Korean UMC when it moved north to Bensalem to Bensalem Korean UMC when it moved north to Bensalem to accommodate the growing number of Korean immigrants who worked accommodate the growing number of Korean immigrants who worked at the Reedman Auto World in Langhorne. Reedman became the at the Reedman Auto World in Langhorne. Reedman became the primary employer for many Korean immigrants. A small Korean primary employer for many Korean immigrants. A small Korean community then fostered the growth of Korean small businesses. After community then fostered the growth of Korean small businesses. After Rev. Paul Kim, Rev. Chung S. Kim became pastor of Bensalem Korean Rev. Paul Kim, Rev. Chung S. Kim became pastor of Bensalem Korean UMC in 1988. In 1995, Rev. Seong R. Jee became the pastor for eight UMC in 1988. In 1995, Rev. Seong R. Jee became the pastor for eight years. Since 2003, Rev. Myung-hoon Cha has been the pastor at years. Since 2003, Rev. Myung-hoon Cha has been the pastor at Bensalem Korean UMC. Bensalem Korean UMC.

21Hae-Jong Kim, “Multicultural Evangelism” in Christ for the World: United 21Hae-Jong Kim, “Multicultural Evangelism” in Christ for the World: United Methodist Bishops Speak on Evangelism, ed. James Logan, (Nashville: Kingswood, 1996), 96. Methodist Bishops Speak on Evangelism, ed. James Logan, (Nashville: Kingswood, 1996), 96. 22Rev. Paul Kim’s was “the only organized Korean congregation in the Eastern 22Rev. Paul Kim’s was “the only organized Korean congregation in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference,” in The United Methodist Reporter 8:23 (May 16, 1980), 1. Pennsylvania Conference,” in The United Methodist Reporter 8:23 (May 16, 1980), 1.

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While a Korean church in Bensalem was organized, nine Korean While a Korean church in Bensalem was organized, nine Korean families in 1979 met in a house for worship in Havertown, a suburb of families in 1979 met in a house for worship in Havertown, a suburb of Philadelphia. This small group eventually formed New Life (Sae Philadelphia. This small group eventually formed New Life (Sae Sengmyung) Korean UMC which met at St. James UMC. Rev. Sung-hwan Sengmyung) Korean UMC which met at St. James UMC. Rev. Sung-hwan Cho became the first pastor of New Life Korean UMC. In 2007, New Life Cho became the first pastor of New Life Korean UMC. In 2007, New Life changed their name to New Covenant Korean UMC and moved their changed their name to New Covenant Korean UMC and moved their location to Drexel Hill, PA, where they currently occupy a church that location to Drexel Hill, PA, where they currently occupy a church that was a former EUB church. As of October 2009, the pastor at New was a former EUB church. As of October 2009, the pastor at New Covenant is Rev. Sang-hong Park who was appointed on July 1, 2008. Covenant is Rev. Sang-hong Park who was appointed on July 1, 2008. First Korean UMC first began in 1981 as a house church in First Korean UMC first began in 1981 as a house church in Philadelphia. The small lay group, led by Choon-young Lee and Kyung- Philadelphia. The small lay group, led by Choon-young Lee and Kyung- mo Yoo, organized a church in 1982. They worshipped at Chestnut Hill mo Yoo, organized a church in 1982. They worshipped at Chestnut Hill UMC and invited Rev. Chin Ho Lee to lead the congregation. The UMC and invited Rev. Chin Ho Lee to lead the congregation. The highlight of their first full year was Bishop Herbert Skeet’s message and highlight of their first full year was Bishop Herbert Skeet’s message and sermon at First Korean UMC on September 9, 1982. In 1985, the First sermon at First Korean UMC on September 9, 1982. In 1985, the First Korean UMC moved to a UM church on 245 West Champlost Street, Korean UMC moved to a UM church on 245 West Champlost Street, near 5th Street and Godfrey Avenue in North Philadelphia. After the near 5th Street and Godfrey Avenue in North Philadelphia. After the Anglo UM church permanently closed its doors, the First Korean UMC Anglo UM church permanently closed its doors, the First Korean UMC became the sole occupiers of the church at the 245 Champlost location. became the sole occupiers of the church at the 245 Champlost location. After Rev. Chin Ho Lee, Rev. Jae-sung Yang began his pastoral leader- After Rev. Chin Ho Lee, Rev. Jae-sung Yang began his pastoral leader- ship at First Korean UMC in 1986. Rev. Tai K. Kim followed Rev. Yang ship at First Korean UMC in 1986. Rev. Tai K. Kim followed Rev. Yang in 1993. From 1993 to 2000, Rev. Seung H. Cho filled the pulpit. Since in 1993. From 1993 to 2000, Rev. Seung H. Cho filled the pulpit. Since May 7, 2004, Rev. Chul Park has been the pastor. First Korean UMC left May 7, 2004, Rev. Chul Park has been the pastor. First Korean UMC left its church in north Philadelphia, and is currently meeting in a church its church in north Philadelphia, and is currently meeting in a church building in Prospectville, a suburb near Horsham (the Anglo UM building in Prospectville, a suburb near Horsham (the Anglo UM congregation disbanded in 2009). congregation disbanded in 2009). As Korean immigrants began to settle in the Lehigh Valley, Rev. As Korean immigrants began to settle in the Lehigh Valley, Rev. Byung-ho Ahn, who was appointed to an Anglo church in Bethlehem, Byung-ho Ahn, who was appointed to an Anglo church in Bethlehem, began offering Korean-language services. With the evangelistic efforts of began offering Korean-language services. With the evangelistic efforts of Mi-Jin Kim, Rev. Ahn led the first service in October 1988 with three Mi-Jin Kim, Rev. Ahn led the first service in October 1988 with three people. In March 1989, nine people were baptized. To nurture this infant people. In March 1989, nine people were baptized. To nurture this infant organization, Young-jong Lee, a student pastor from Drew, assisted the organization, Young-jong Lee, a student pastor from Drew, assisted the church in April. After Rev. Ahn, Rev. Yong-han Chun began his ministry church in April. After Rev. Ahn, Rev. Yong-han Chun began his ministry at Bethlehem in October 1991. After seven years, Rev. Chun left at Bethlehem in October 1991. After seven years, Rev. Chun left Bethlehem in 1998. The third pastor at Bethlehem was Rev Won-kyung Bethlehem in 1998. The third pastor at Bethlehem was Rev Won-kyung Yun who was appointed in 1998. After five years, Rev. Yun left Yun who was appointed in 1998. After five years, Rev. Yun left Bethlehem to become the district superintendent of the Northeast Bethlehem to become the district superintendent of the Northeast Korean Mission Conference. In 2003, Rev. Yong-ho Chun became the Korean Mission Conference. In 2003, Rev. Yong-ho Chun became the fourth and current pastor at Bethlehem Korean UMC. fourth and current pastor at Bethlehem Korean UMC.

Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 11 Korean Methodism in Eastern Pennsylvania 11

Left to right: Rev. Myung-hoon Cha, pastor of Bensalem Korean UMC Left to right: Rev. Myung-hoon Cha, pastor of Bensalem Korean UMC since 2003; Rev. Chul Park, pastor of First Korean UMC since 2004. since 2003; Rev. Chul Park, pastor of First Korean UMC since 2004. ------

CONCLUSION CONCLUSION

The five churches mentioned above collectively form the Korean The five churches mentioned above collectively form the Korean caucus in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. In addition, the caucus in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. In addition, the fellowship of Korean UM pastors of the greater Philadelphia area fellowship of Korean UM pastors of the greater Philadelphia area includes the pastors of Delaware Korean UMC (Hockessin, DE) and includes the pastors of Delaware Korean UMC (Hockessin, DE) and First Korean UMC of Cherry Hill (Cherry Hill, NJ). A few times a year, First Korean UMC of Cherry Hill (Cherry Hill, NJ). A few times a year, the pastors and their families of the greater Philadelphia area meet for the pastors and their families of the greater Philadelphia area meet for worship and recreation. The fellowship of Korean pastors was on display worship and recreation. The fellowship of Korean pastors was on display for the new church start celebration at Lighthouse Korean UMC, as the for the new church start celebration at Lighthouse Korean UMC, as the church choirs of both Delaware Korean UMC and First Korean UMC of church choirs of both Delaware Korean UMC and First Korean UMC of Cherry Hill sang during the event. Cherry Hill sang during the event. As the new church start of Lighthouse Korean UMC indicate, As the new church start of Lighthouse Korean UMC indicate, the Korean church community continues to grow in Eastern the Korean church community continues to grow in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Korean ethnic church has historically proven to be an Pennsylvania. The Korean ethnic church has historically proven to be an integral part of the Korean community. As the second-generation Korean integral part of the Korean community. As the second-generation Korean Americans become adults and have families of their own, many Korean Americans become adults and have families of their own, many Korean immigrants churches started second-generation ministries to immigrants churches started second-generation ministries to accommodate the second-generation, who are less attached to Korean accommodate the second-generation, who are less attached to Korean culture and speak less Korean. It is an exciting time in the life and culture and speak less Korean. It is an exciting time in the life and history of Korean churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. history of Korean churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.