Annaka Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan, officially known as the Jō Niijima Memorial Hall, is a historic church located in Annaka, Gunma Prefecture. Its origins can be traced to the former Japan Congregational Church, which was established in the early Meiji period. Today, it belongs to the United Church of Christ in Japan.
The church is closely connected with the development of Christianity in Gunma and has played an important role in the modern history of the Annaka area.
The present chapel was built in 1919 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of Jō Niijima. Designed by Ryūtaro Furuhashi, the building is an impressive example of Romanesque-inspired architecture constructed from Ōya stone, a distinctive local stone widely used in historic Japanese architecture.
The church is a stone building with its main entrance facing east. A square bell tower stands at the southeast corner, while buttresses along the exterior walls give the structure a solid yet elegant appearance.
The roof was originally covered with natural slate, but it is now finished with copper sheets. The building has a floor area of approximately 171 square meters and is primarily a single-story stone structure, with a partial second floor and an attached bell tower.
Although the chapel has a single-aisle layout, the central ceiling is finished with a semicircular vaulted form, creating an impression of spaciousness similar to that of a three-aisle church.
Another notable feature is the open spatial arrangement between the nave and the altar area, which are not separated by a large arch. Composite-style columns made of marble from Ibaraki Prefecture stand on either side of the altar, adding a refined and dignified character to the interior.
The stained-glass windows, featuring white lilies and crosses, were created by Sanji Ogawa. Their gentle light creates a peaceful atmosphere inside the chapel.
These architectural and decorative features are highly regarded for their historical value. On November 8, 2004, the building was officially registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The church grounds include several other historic buildings that are also registered tangible cultural properties. These include Onkotei, Gientei, and the Pastor’s House, formerly a missionary residence.
Together, these buildings preserve important chapters in the history of Annaka Church and provide visitors with a glimpse into the architectural and cultural environment of the church’s past.
The history of Annaka Church is closely connected with Jō Niijima, who is best known as the founder of Doshisha and one of the leading figures in the early development of Christianity and modern education in Japan.
In 1864, Niijima secretly left Japan from Hakodate and traveled overseas. While in the United States, he converted to Christianity. He later received ordination in Boston and worked as an assistant missionary for the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
With a strong desire to establish a Christian school in Japan, he returned to Japan in 1874.
After returning home, one of the first places Niijima visited was his hometown of Annaka in the former province of Jōshū. He stayed there for approximately three weeks and gave lectures on Christianity at places including Annaka School and Ryūshōji Temple.
His teachings attracted considerable interest, and approximately 30 former samurai of the former Annaka domain began studying the Bible.
Christian missionary work subsequently expanded when Kisaburō Ebina, then a student at Doshisha English School and later known as Danzan Ebina, was sent to Annaka to continue the work.
On March 30, 1878, a group of 30 men and women received baptism from Niijima at Benransha, a private library established by Jirō Yuasa.
This marked the formal establishment of Annaka Church. It was an important milestone in the history of Protestant Christianity in Gunma and established Annaka as a major center for Christian missionary activity in the prefecture.
From its earliest days, Annaka Church operated as a financially independent congregation. The donations and support of businessman Jirō Yuasa played an especially important role in sustaining the church.
Kisaburō Ebina, who later became the church’s first pastor after graduating from Doshisha, helped establish its foundations.
Later, Gien Kashiwagi became pastor. In 1898, he launched the Jōmō Religious World Monthly, a publication through which he expressed his views on social issues.
Kashiwagi actively addressed issues including the Ashio Copper Mine pollution incident, the movement to abolish licensed prostitution, and discrimination against Japan’s Burakumin communities. Through such activities, he became an influential voice on social issues in the region.
As a result, Annaka Church became more than a place of worship. It also served as an important center for social awareness and engagement within the local community.
After World War II, the church was also involved in the establishment of Niijima Gakuen Junior High School, contributing to the development of education in the region.
Throughout its history, Annaka Church has maintained deep connections with the local community through faith, education, and social activities.
Annaka Church is not simply a religious institution. It is an important cultural heritage site for understanding Japan’s modern history, educational history, and architectural history.
Combining a visit to the church with a walk through the historic streets associated with the Nakasendō offers an opportunity to explore the changes in Japanese thought and culture from the Meiji period onward.
Inside the quiet stone chapel, the solid walls of Ōya stone and the soft light filtering through the stained glass create a peaceful and dignified atmosphere.
With its connections to Jō Niijima, the history of Christianity in Japan, and the dedication of generations of local residents, Annaka Church and Jō Niijima Memorial Hall is a fascinating historical destination to visit when exploring Annaka.