St. Michael’s Church (Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church)

St. Michael’s Church (Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church)

St. Michael’s Church, also known as Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church or the French Church, is located at No. A13, Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing, at the northeast corner of the intersection of Dongjiaominxiang and Taijichang. It is a two-story Gothic-style building constructed in 1901. The church faces south and is built in imitation of European Gothic style. It has a brick-and-wood structure with grey brick walls and smooth plaster finishes. The façade features three spired bell towers and is decorated with pointed arches, pilasters, stained glass windows, and niches.

Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church is the last Catholic church built in old Beijing. The site was previously part of the French consulate before the church was constructed. It was built in the 27th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1901) and was established by a French senior priest. In 1904, the construction of the church was completed and it was officially opened to the public. After opening, Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church primarily served foreigners in China, with both the main priest and assistant clergy being of French nationality. It was managed by the French church.

After 1949, the Beijing Diocese of the Catholic Church took over the building and property of Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church, which was then placed under the administration of the North Church. In 1958, due to changes in government policy, Catholic activities were restricted, and the church was closed. Its building and land were confiscated by the government and allocated to Taijichang Primary School. The church was repurposed as the school’s auditorium, and the structure suffered some damage. In 1986, Taijichang Primary School completely relocated from the site of Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church, and the church was returned to the Beijing diocese. On December 23, 1989, the church reopened.

Compared to the four major Catholic churches in Beijing — the South Church, North Church, East Church, and West Church — Dongjiaominxiang Catholic Church has a short history and small scale. However, the church is exquisitely designed and compact. It is also one of the few Catholic churches in Beijing’s urban area that has not been completely destroyed or rebuilt, mainly because it was built later, after the Boxer Rebellion.

On October 20, 1995, St. Michael’s Church was designated as a municipal-level cultural heritage site in Beijing.

Location

No. A13, Dongjiaominxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing