한말ㆍ일제하 홍성지방의 감리교 수용과 확산, 지역엘리트의 형성

Abstract

Abstract Acceptance and Spread of Methodism in the Region of Hong-Sung from the end of 19th century to 1945. Kim Kyung-Su During the Chosun dynasty, Hong-Sung was such an important area for every foreign protestant church as a mission base-camp. Thus, they called it 'Tae Hong-Ju'(the great Hong-Ju ; 대홍주). They thought that if they could build a bridgehead in Hong-Sung, they could evangelize the neighbor cities more easily. Most of the area of Chungchong province including Hong-Sung was determined as the Methodist area at the end of the 19th century when American missions made an agreement for the mission segment. From that time on, the Methodist influence in this area was increased. Until 1931, only six churches were built in Hong-Sung. Among them, the five churches; Hong-Sung Jeil(홍성제일) Kwangchun(광천) Kalsan(갈산) Kumma(금마) and Hongdong(홍동) were built by the Methodist. It shows that the Methodists were very active in the Hong-Sung area at that time. Through the Japanese Imperial Rule, the churches and Christians from the Hong-Sung area tried to overcome the national difficulties which the Koreans faced. They initiated active national movements and led the social development and changes. They lead the enlightment for the people by modern education. They also eagerly participated the March First Movement in 1919. Their national movement and social campaign were so important for Korea because it caused the social reformation which led Korea to modern society. Their movements also encouraged the resistance against Japanese colonization. These evidences show that there was a certain Christian elite group in Hong-Sung which tried to reform their society as a new modern community.