“Retro Flashes” are Journey’s quick takes on moments of history that have made New York City what it is, what New Yorkers are, and, maybe, what it will be.

1969 Korean Church of Queens – 24 people

In 1969, 24 Korean Americans started gathering in Flushing, Queens under the sponsorship of the Korean Church and Institute of New York in Manhattan. Its first official worship service took place on July 27, 1969.

Global politics often intertwine with religious life in New York City. The sponsoring church was founded in 1921 in Manhattan, so it became an independent outpost of unrest against the Japanese-imposed Korean government. The Manhattan church became famous for its contributions of leaders and resources to the Korean independence movement. The Queens church itself has continued its missions with an inclination to support Christians in hostile political circumstances. In 1988 the church established a World Mission Theological College (which became Queens Theological College) and sent out its first missionary to Russia in 1992.

Today, the church has a large church facility in East Elmhurst near La Guardia Airport (80-00 23rd Avenue).

Display of nations reached by a Korean Church of Queens near La Guardia Airport. Iglesia Cristiana Compasion also meets there. Photo: Tony Carnes/A Journey through NYC religions