Neiwan Catholic Church Introduction
The church is officially named the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commonly referred to as the Neiwan Church. It was established in 1955 by Father Redvern, with significant contributions from Father Fan Bin, who is regarded as the founding figure of the parish. At that time, the Neiwan Church was located at the residence of Mr. Chen Zhenyun, below the current Miaoping. This site was originally the location of the "Nanha River Malaria Prevention Station" during the Japanese colonial period. Due to the booming coal mining in Neiwan, the sudden influx of outsiders, and the high-risk industries, people's spiritual lives became particularly valued, leading them to seek spiritual faith in a new religion. In 1963, master carpenter Mr. Chen Zhenyun was invited to collaborate with architect Brother Pan to construct the church at its current location. The original building had previously been a sawmill, so the new church utilized the old beams and rafters from the dismantled structure. The new church was completed and inaugurated in 1965. In 1977, Father Fan Bin passed away. By 1981, the Neiwan Church came under the management of the Jiuzantou Catholic Church.
