Zhang Huanzhong: The Chinese Elder Who Built a Church “Single-Handedly”

In the history of the Puchang Association of the Zhouzhi Diocese in Shaanxi, north-central China, few names are remembered as fondly as Elder Zhang Huanzhong. His life was a testament to tireless dedication, a story of faith lived fully, even in the face of hardship. Clergy and parishioners alike still remember him for the selfless devotion that shaped every part of his life.

According to the story published in Faith Press, Zhang’s path of service was defined by both disability and resilience. After losing one hand in an accident, he did not let this stop him. Instead, he turned his devotion into a force that carried him through decades of service to the Church.

Long before a permanent church stood in the diocese, Zhang was always there during major feast days and celebrations, helping to set up temporary altars. His movements may have been slower, more difficult than others, but he never hesitated. With his one hand, he gripped ropes, braced heavy beams on his shoulder, and worked tirelessly until he was drenched in sweat. Together with two other leaders, he turned even simple altars into spaces that brought the faithful together, strengthening their devotion through shared labor.

“Build a church” was his long-held dream, the goal that consumed much of his energy. He traveled widely to coordinate resources, visited families to encourage support, managed construction by day, and worked late into the night by lamplight to balance accounts and plan next steps. His disability meant he had to work harder than most, yet he never complained. Challenges arose, doubts surfaced, but Zhang faced them quietly, resolving conflicts with humility and patience, earning trust and respect through sheer sincerity.

Finally, the dream became reality. When sunlight first streamed through the church windows, Zhang stood quietly in a corner, tears in his eyes. That church carried not only countless hours of his labor but the shared faith and hope of the entire community.

As head of the Puchang Association, Zhang Huanzhong was respected for his integrity and fairness. He never put his own interests above the Church’s needs. Every task, every cent, was handled transparently. When disagreements arose, he patiently mediated, helping preserve harmony and unity among parishioners.

Today, although Elder Zhang has passed, the faith he lived with one arm and the spirit of service he carried through his life remain deeply rooted in the hearts of the local community. The church still rings with songs of devotion, and stories of how he led the building of festival shelters are shared with reverence. The “one-armed believer” may be gone, but his legacy lives on, a source of inspiration for future generations, showing how true dedication and faith can move mountains.