Qihou Church Introduction
Cijin, due to its important geographical location as a harbor for exports, was the first area developed by Han Chinese in Kaohsiung, featuring the oldest streets, temples, and schools in the city. After the Qing Dynasty's conflict with the Anglo-French forces in 1865, Dagu Harbor (Kaohsiung Harbor) was opened for trade, and Scottish Presbyterian missionary Dr. James McDill came to preach here and established the Dagu Presbyterian Church, which is the first Presbyterian church in Taiwan. In 1935, the church was remodeled in a Romanesque style, with its ochre-colored pebble exterior exuding a rustic elegance, standing as a tranquil corner amidst the bustling Cijin market and a shared memory for many people of Cijin. Due to the deterioration of the old church structure over time, the Cijiou Church, which has been around for more than a century, underwent reconstruction in 2013, retaining the old church's arches and windows while adding a neo-Gothic spire to become a magnificent seven-story building. In response to the tourism influx in Cijin, Cijiou Church has also promoted tourism evangelism, offering visits, drinking water, and sanitation facilities, along with various activities for people of all ages. Entering the serene church, one can reflect on a model of the old church and bask in the religious atmosphere, enjoying a moment of peace and beauty.
