China's old churches : the history, architecture, and legacy of Catholic sacred structures in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province / by Alan Richard Sweeten.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 380-403) and index.

An introduction to old churches -- Church building and church buildings -- The historic churches of Central Beijing -- Greater Beijing's old church sites and churches -- Tianjin's old sacred structures -- Old churches in Hebei's small cities, towns, and villages -- The churches of rural Zhuozhou, past and present -- The Catholic legacy.

“China's Old Churches, by Alan Sweeten, examines the history of Catholicism (1600 to the present) as reflected by the location, style, and details of sacred structures in three crucial north China areas. Examined are the most famous and important churches in the urban settings of Beijing and Tianjin as well as lesser-known ones in rural Hebei Province. Missionaries built Western-looking churches to make a broad religious statement important to themselves and Chinese worshippers. Non-Catholics, however, tended to see churches as socio-politically foreign and invasive. The physical-visual impact of church structures is significant. Today, restored old and new churches are still mostly of Western style, serving a growing number of Catholics who actively support a Marian movement"-- Provided by publisher.

Local access dig.pdf. [Sweeten-China's Old Churches.pdf]