On July 8, Liaoning Provincial CC&TSPM held a memorial service for Rev. Xing Chunlan, a female pastor who passed away at the age of 105.
Born on September 25, 1921, in Tieling City, Liaoning Province, Rev. Xing Chunlan died on July 6, 2025. Baptized in 1934, she graduated from Qiqihar Lutheran Seminary in Heilongjiang Province in 1945 and began preaching and engaging in charitable work at Hongtuling Church in Benxi City in 1946. According to a Gospel Times article by contributor Wu Zhongyi, the church experienced significant staff changes between 1948 and 1950, with a pastor resigning, an elder relocating, and other co-workers leaving for theological studies or stepping down. During this period, Rev. Xing remained the only church worker who stayed at her post.
Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, the "Three-Self Manifesto" ("Direction of Endeavor for Chinese Christianity in the Construction of New China") received support from Christians in China. Rev. Xing was among the first 1,527 signatories nationwide. The manifesto was published in the People's Daily on September 23, 1950.
Wu noted that during the Cultural Revolution, Rev. Xing was sent to perform manual labor in the countryside, and church activities were suspended. After the restoration of religious freedom in 1978, she promptly resumed her ministry. On December 25, 1981, she presided over the reopening of Hongtuling Church, reestablished contact with believers, resumed pastoral work, and played a vital role in the revival of the Benxi Church. She was ordained and assigned as deputy director of Benxi Municipal TSPM in 1983.
Elder Shi Aijun, chairperson of the provincial TSPM, and Rev. Hou Yujie, president of the provincial CC, led a delegation from the provincial CC&TSPM to attend the service, reported CCC&TSPM.
At the memorial service, Elder Shi recalled a visit to Rev. Xing on her 100th birthday, November 10, 2020. Despite being bedridden, she remained mentally sharp, cheerful, and eloquent, and offered prayers for the visiting pastors from the provincial CC&TSPM. News of her centennial birthday was reported by the provincial CC&TSPM and published in the 12th issue of Tianfeng or the Heavenly Wind, the official magazine of CCC&TSPM, in 2020.
Elder Shi offered blessings to Rev. Xing's family and descendants and encouraged fellow pastoral staff in Benxi to carry on her legacy and continue serving the local Christian community.
