"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

- Galatians 6:2

A smiling Korean American couple stand in front of a church altar. Both wear Salvation Army officer uniforms consisting of white button down shirts, navy blue cardigan sweaters, and navy trousers. The man is significantly taller than his wife, being about a head height taller.Five Year Plan
Majors Michael and Alisha Cho  

The invitation from a Salvation Army corps officer led Majors Michael and Alisha Cho to The Salvation Army. Alisha, a nurse, and Michael, a former dental student, were contemplating of becoming minsters and looking for a place to minister. Upon walking into the Chicago (Mayfair Community Church), IL Corps in 2001, it felt like home.

Mayfair, at that time, was primarily a Korean corps, opened in 1988 to serve the Korean immigrants of the neighborhood. The Cho’s developed deep-rooted friendships with their fellow congregants, and when they returned as associate corps officers after training in 2004, it was a joy to serve their friends.

A five-year cycle began when they received a new appointment in 2009 to serve as corps officers at the DeKalb, IL Corps. Five years later, they were sent to Minneapolis to serve in the Northern Division as divisional youth secretaries, providing programming leadership. Again, five more years elapsed; in 2019, the Majors received the assignment to their home corps of Mayfair. Although they were excited to return home, they felt they had “big shoes to fill” at Mayfair. It was a reunion of friends and colleagues and became a privilege and blessing to serve their friends, where together they serve the community.

However, changes have occurred at the Mayfair Community Church, the corps population is aging, and not many young people attend. It is challenging, but Majors Michael and Alisha adapt and hope to provide a brighter future on a more stable foundation as they continue to embrace God’s five year plan.

Poster, “Keep Our Dream Alive”
Mayfair Community Church 25th Anniversary
2013 

The Chicago (Mayfair Community Church), IL Corps, formerly the Chicago (Korean), IL Corps, opened in 1988 by then Majors Paul and Anna Kim. The first meeting was held in their living room with only their family in attendance. Within seven years, the corps grew to 300 members and was the largest Korean Corps in the United States.

In 2013, Mayfair celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary under the leadership of Majors Ho-Yoon and Kehyoung Chang.

Mayfair, under the leadership of Majors Michael and Alisha Cho, will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2023.

On loan from Chicago (Mayfair Community Church), IL Corps

A poster with blue background and numbers from 1988 to 2013. The Red Shield logo has been adapted to include "25" and "1988-2013" instead of its regular text.
Photos, Chicago (Mayfair Community Church), IL Corps
2021

These photos celebrate The Chicago (Mayfair Community Church), IL Corps. Opened in 1988 to serve the primarily Korean neighborhood of Mayfair, the corps celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013

Documents
1988-2015

In 1987, Major Paul Kim began to participate in the Korean Consultation. Korean Delegates from five territories met to discuss growing the Korean ministry within The Salvation Army. They continue to meet every three years.

These documents reflect the time Colonel Paul served as a delegate on this board.

Gift of Colonels Paul and Anna Kim in honor of the Korean Ministry in the U.S.A.