Neiwan Catholic Church

Its original name is the Assumption of Mary Church, abbreviated as Neiwan Church. It was founded in 1955 (Republic of China Year 44) by Father Raymond, with Father Fabien later contributing more significantly and becoming a key founder. At that time, Neiwan Church was located at Mr. Chen Chen-yun's residence below what is now Miaoping, which was the site of the "Nanhe Malaria Prevention Institute" during the Japanese colonial era. Due to the active coal mining in Neiwan, a rapid increase in the immigrant population, and high-risk occupations, people's spiritual lives gained particular importance, leading them to find spiritual solace in the new religion. In 1963 (Republic of China Year 52), master carpenter Mr. Chen Chen-yun was invited to Neiwan to collaborate with Father Pan, the architect of the Catholic Church, to construct the church at its current location. The church's predecessor was a sawmill, so the new church reused roof trusses and eaves beams salvaged from the old building. In 1965 (Republic of China Year 54), the new church was completed and opened. In 1977 (Republic of China Year 66), Father Fabien passed away. In 1981 (Republic of China Year 70), Neiwan Catholic Church reverted to being jointly managed by Jiuzantou Catholic Church.