Qihou Church Introduction
Cijin, due to its important geographical location as a harbor export, was the earliest 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 Allied Forces in 1865, Dagu Harbor (Kaohsiung Harbor) was opened for trade, and Scottish Presbyterian missionary Dr. MacKay came to preach and established the Dagu Church, which is the oldest and the first Presbyterian church in Taiwan. In 1935, the church was renovated into a Romanesque style building, with a rustic and elegant yellowish-brown stone facade, providing a serene corner amid the bustling Cijin market, and it is a shared memory for many. Due to the ravages of time, the structure of the old church was damaged; the Cihou Church, which has been established for over a hundred years, was rebuilt in 2013, preserving the arches and window sills of the old church while adding a Gothic-style spire, resulting in a magnificent seven-story tall building. In response to the influx of tourists in Cijin, Cihou Church has also promoted tourism evangelism by providing visitation, drinking water, and hygiene facilities, along with diverse activities for people of all ages to participate in. Entering the tranquil church, visitors can see models of the old church to reminisce, and enjoy a moment of calmness and beauty in a religious atmosphere.
