Vancouver Korean Presbyterian Church

The Vancouver Korean Presbyterian Church (VKPC) is a Canadian nonprofit religious organization serving the Korean community in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is registered under the business number 108167339RR0001.

History

The church has a rich history dating back to the emergence of the Korean immigrant community in Vancouver. While the first Korean congregation in Canada was established in 1965 as a United Church group led by Rev. Lee, who initially served a Japanese congregation and later formed Canada’s first Korean United Church congregation in Vancouver, the Korean Presbyterian community developed alongside the growth of Korean immigration to the Vancouver area. The Korean population in Vancouver grew dramatically from about 50 in the mid-1960s to over 1,600 by 1975, prompting the establishment of various Korean churches, including Presbyterian ones.[2][5]

VKPC has evolved through the decades, adapting its ministry and organizational structure to meet the needs of its congregants. Important milestones include the ordination of deacons and elders, reorganization of mission groups, and the initiation of outreach programs. For example, in 2011, several individuals were ordained as deacons and elders, and the church reorganized its mission groups in 2012 to better serve its members. The church also integrated English-speaking worship services and adapted to societal challenges such as switching to online services during the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2020.[1]

Mission and Activities

VKPC conducts worship services primarily in Korean while also offering English-language ministries to accommodate younger generations and non-Korean speakers. The church emphasizes Bible study, community outreach, and mission work in line with Presbyterian traditions. Its organizational structure includes groups such as small groups and mission societies, reflecting both spiritual and communal engagement among its members.[1]

Community Role

As part of the broader Korean-Canadian community in Vancouver, VKPC serves as a cultural and spiritual hub. The church supports the integration of Korean immigrants into Canadian society while maintaining Korean cultural heritage through language and traditions. It also contributes to social witness initiatives and participates in the larger Presbyterian Church governance and activities in Canada and abroad.[3]

This summary is based on the church’s historical records and the development of the Korean community in Vancouver, highlighting its significance as a cornerstone institution for Korean Presbyterians in the region.[1][2][5]

[1] https://vkpc.com/history/ [2] https://www.erudit.org/fr/revues/jcha/2008-v19-n2-jcha3329/037752ar.pdf [3] https://pcusa.org/congregation/vancouver-korean-church-vancouver-wa [4] https://utoronto.scholaris.ca/bitstreams/7e4f9880-34c6-4ca8-927b-cb4d04025538/download [5] https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/jcha/2008-v19-n2-jcha3329/037752ar/