Mission Church, Shenyang, China, 1889

Exterior view of a mission church with the body of the church built in the gothic style and the bell tower similar to a Chinese pagoda. This photograph is of the new United Presbyterian Church of Scotland mission church in Moukden [Shenyang] that was opened on22 October 1889. During the opening service the church was full and twelve adults were baptised by Mr Wylie. ❧ The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland attempted to establish a mission in China in 1862 but it was not until the arrival of Dr John Ross in 1872 that real in roads were made into Manchuria. Stations were established at Moukden [Shenyang], Liaoyang, Haicheng and Newchwang, stretching from the coast to the far interior. Many stations and outstations were run by indigenous pastors who were often sent into hostile areas with little support. John Ross and John MacIntyre would take turns in travelling around the field doing evangelical and medical work. ❧ The image is from an album associated with Rev. James A Whylie (1863-1894) who was ordained to the Manchuria mission in 1887 and based in Liaoyang, 1888-1894