QINGDAO Christian Church celebrated its 100-year anniversary Oct. 23, attracting many residents.

    During the ceremony, the church’s pipe organ, rebuilt according to a design from 100 years ago, was played by German organists.

    The church, a renowned example of religious architecture, is situated on Jiangsu Road adjacent to Signal Hill Park in the east.

    Sun, a 72-year-old resident, enjoyed the organ music. “I’ve been living around here since I was a kid and had been used to the organ music before it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) … I’ve been waiting 40 years to listen to it again,” she said.

    The organ, sponsored by Qingdao’s religious affairs bureau and the China-Germany cultural heritage foundation, was rebuilt at a cost of 368,000 euros (US$512,000).

    Of a unique German style with a long history, the church is also known as the German Bethel, as it was originally a place for German gatherings and worship.

    Ascending the narrow steps of the rocky hill, the church has solid thick walls, Roman-style arches, granite sashes, steep ceilings and a bell tower.

    Construction of the building, designed by a German architect, began in 1908 and was finished in 1910.

    The church consists of a bell tower and a hall with thick granite walls.

    Standing on top of the nearly 40-meter-high tower, one is treated to a panoramic sea view.

    The church can accommodate 1,000 people.

     (Jane Lai)