History

Founded in Kanda in 1875 (Meiji 8) as a Methodist church

Kudan Church marks its 150th anniversary this year. Its origins trace back to 1875, when Julius Soper, a missionary sent by the American Methodist Episcopal Church, began evangelizing in the Kanda area. That same year, Masao Furukawa—who would become the church’s first believer—was baptized by Rev. Soper. This marked the birth of Kanda Church, the predecessor of today’s Kudan Church.

Kudan Church’s faith tradition is rooted in Methodism, inheriting the spirit of John Wesley (1703–1791), an Anglican priest and founder of the Methodist movement. Today, Kudan Church stands as the tenth oldest Protestant church in Japan, and the fourth oldest Methodist church in the country.
　

When Rev. Soper began his evangelistic work in Kanda, the area was home to many temple schools. Among the residents was Masao Furukawa—the first person to be baptized—who operated a private school called Kinsei Juku at his home in Kanda Nishikichō 3-chōme, where he taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and English. Rev. Soper also taught English to the students of Kinsei Juku, and on Sundays he preached Christian sermons to a gathering of about 25 people, most of whom were students.

As attendance continued to grow, the church relocated several times. In 1897 (Meiji 30), under the leadership of Rev. Yoichi Honda—the sixth pastor of Kudan Church, who was also serving concurrently as the director of Aoyama Gakuin—the congregation decided to construct a new chapel at its present location.

As described in Matthew 7:24–27 in the New Testament, Kudan-zaka (“Nine-Step Hill”), known for its solid foundation, was chosen as the site for the new church. At the time of construction, the church’s name was also changed to the Japan Kudan Bii (Methodist) Church.

Consecration of the First Chapel – 1898 (Meiji 31)

In 1898 (Meiji 31), the first European-style chapel—modeled after Trinity Church in Boston, USA—was dedicated.

Despite the many challenges of the rapidly changing eras of Meiji, Taisho, and Showa, this chapel nurtured the faith of countless people in Jesus Christ. For nearly half a century, until it was destroyed in the Great Tokyo Air Raid of March 1945, weekly worship services were held here. It stood as a place of prayer and a center for the missionary work of Kudan Church.

For nearly half a century—until it was destroyed by fire in the Great Tokyo Air Raid of March 1945—this chapel hosted weekly worship services and served as a place of prayer and a center for the missionary work of Kudan Church.

Reconstruction of the Chapel Destroyed in the Great Tokyo Air Raid.

The original chapel and its parsonage were completely destroyed during the Great Tokyo Air Raids in World War II. However, in 1949 (Showa 24), through the prayers of Rev. Kiyoshi Fujioka and the congregation, the decision was made to rebuild the chapel. In 1950 (Showa 25), the second chapel was dedicated, using part of the war damage reconstruction funds.

The second chapel was a wooden building that exuded a cozy and warm atmosphere, surrounded by trees of various sizes. For many years, it was affectionately known as the “church in the forest in the city.”

The church continued to grow in the new chapel rebuilt after the war. In 1960 (Showa 35), the 85th anniversary ceremony was held under the leadership of Pastor Toyosaburo Miyakoda. Following this, the facilities were improved with the construction of a parsonage. The church’s activities became very active, centered around the Youth Association and Women’s Association. In 1963, Kudan Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan was formally established as a religious corporation. On Sunday, October 12, 1975, Kudan Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a memorial service, marking the beginning of its second century since its foundation.

In 1995 (Heisei 7), the current, third-generation chapel was consecrated.

The decision to build this new chapel was made in 1992, in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Kudan Church’s foundation. Although the reconstruction plan had been under discussion for about 20 years due to the deterioration of the previous building, it faced numerous challenges before finally coming to fruition.

Characteristics of the Church

First, the church features a sharp-edged structure, inspired by the image of the church of salvation seen in Noah’s Ark, as it raises its sails high and moves forward into the future. Second, inside the chapel, to encourage worshippers to “look up to the cross” and praise Jesus, a wooden cross—symbolizing the one Jesus hung on at Golgotha—is placed prominently in front of the altar. Additionally, the church includes the “Seat of Grace,” a tradition inherited from the Methodist church. Third, the design incorporates many spacious areas to provide a peaceful and welcoming environment for all who come seeking solace.

The Future of Kudan Church

Kudan Church aims to be a community open to the future while firmly preserving the history and traditions of the Protestant faith in Japan. As a testament to our faith, we raise our cross high, embrace the spirit of Jesus Christ wholeheartedly, and nurture a strong desire to become a church that meets the needs of the global era and remains open to the Kudan community. As a church living by the Word, we are committed to faithfully responding to God’s commission.

History of Kudan Church

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