Church Construction and Membership Training in the Early Church Period

Before the founding of the church, the circumstances in which Reverend Moon would convey the word of God and be rejected and pursued by the opposition were those of an underground church. Reverend Moon, who had been busy speaking God's word in different areas, built the first independent church in Pomnetkol, Pusan. Reverend Moon himself laid the bricks, and although his attempts were thwarted twice, the church that was finally built on the third attempt was the Pomnetkol Church. It was there that Reverend Moon systematically organized the contents of the Principle, full of conviction for the future world. After the HSA-UWC had been founded and the Headquarters Church was moved to Chungpa-dong, forty-day witnessing campaigns were begun. Throughout the country, mud brick buildings were built, and makeshift buildings or parts of houses were used, so that the churches took on diverse forms during this period. Member training was held for twenty-one days starting March 22, 1957. This was a special workshop for young members aimed at immersion in the Principle, led by Mr. Yong-seok Choi at the Kimpo Church in Kyung-gi Province. Two years later, the early workshop system was reflected in the formal education system of the church, ranging from 3-day, 7-day, 21-day to 40-day training courses. The objectives were to become familiar with the Principle, periodically educate family associations and students, and included retreats for leaders and scholars. Members' education came to be held for diverse groups.