Sue in front of St Sophia
Shortly after the Boxer Rebellion (1899-1901), the Russians built the original church of timber in March 1907. It was then rebuilt using masonry and timber four years later. A second reconstruction was begun on September 23rd, 1923, and a ceremony was held to celebrate laying the corner stone. It was completed on November 25th, 1932, after nine years, and was hailed as a monumental work of art.