USA > Ohio > Franklin County > Westerville > Three quarters of a century of triumph : seventy-fifth anniversary report and board meeting, Westerville, Ohio, November 11-13, 1930 > Part 7
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The most imperative needs in Lubuagan are in the building program involving the immediate need of the following:
Mission house in Lubuagan
$1,250.00
Land in Lubuagan 250.00
Dormitory for girls 1,000.00
Total
$2,500.00
Our membership in Kalinga has increased at the rate of one hundred per year since the Witmers have been there, and five churches have been organized in barrios and surrounding towns. In both Lubuagan and Kiangan a group of fine young people, students in our high schools, are coming into constant contact with Christian influences. The dangers of a "baptized paganism" are being offset by the genuine transformation that is taking place in the lives of these young folks who are the hope of the future for Kalinga and Ifugao.
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Our most immediate need in Ifugao is that of a married couple to reinforce the workers in Ifugao. The man should go as a full time evangelistic worker over the province of Ifugao, doing the pioneer work of organizing churches, supervising young Ifugao pastors and deaconesses in their work, and taking care of such duties as pertain to a pioneer missionary worker in a new field. His wife should be qualified to teach in the high school in Kiangan. With Miss Metzger going on furlough the first of November, we leave Miss Miles as the only American mis- sionary in the Province. She should not only have someone to be with her at once to assist in the school work, but the time has come when it is absolutely essential that we have a missionary evangelist in Ifugao for the pioneer field work of preach- ing the gospel and organizing churches. While it would be ideal to have such a field worker also for Kalinga Province, we feel that if the one couple for Ifugao could be appointed at once, they could be of some service also for Kalinga to help tide over the situation for several years. They should learn at once the Ifugao dialect and thereby be able to have the greatest access possible to the people.
We believe the results already obtained in Kalinga and Ifugao are ample justification of a forward-looking advance. The sixty to seventy students enrolled in our high school in Lubuagan and the eighty to ninety students enrolled in our high school in Kiangan are indicative of a signal opportunity .. This constant stream of Christian youth, pouring back into the ranks of leadership of these two provinces, spells opportunity. We must keep that stream flowing. But we should also see to it at once that as these young people go back to their home towns they become the nucleus of a church in that community. Hence the im- . portance of having an evangelistic field worker at once. .
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
We feel constrained to say again what was said last year in this connection. "Of all times this is indeed the day of opportunity in the Philippines. Conditions are peaceful, harmonious, and a cooperative spirit pervades the atmosphere. The Church in the Philippines is established, but its progress can be tremendously enhanced by the right kind of missionary activity. The Church here is thoroughly appreciative of the efforts of evangelical Christians in America to promote the cause of Christ in the Philippines. Our work as missionaries and as the older church in America, should be that of a Christian friend, who has come to help his brother build the church. We must be wise enough to encourage initiative and diligence in sharing with our Filipino brethren the responsibilities which must ultimately be theirs. We shall be the best leaders by training leaders and recognizing leaders who are already trained."
The askings for the year 1931 do not contain all our needs, but are whittled down to the most imperative. We pray that the Church may have a growing vision of her opportunity abroad. We are all deeply appreciative of the response the Church is giving in the support of the cause of Christ in foreign parts. We are cognizant of an unusual sacrifice that is now being made and will continue to be made during the coming year in view of the financial depression in America. We hope that that additional sacrifice-that fellowship of suffering-may be a means of giving the whole church membership a new sense of trust in God and a closer unity with Christ in His vicarious work of world redemption.
Respectfully submitted, In behalf of the Church in the Philippines,
WALTER N. ROBERTS
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON THE PHILIPPINES
(Including Supplementary Report)
In the absence of the chairman, Reverend Mumma was made temporary chairman. H. W. Widdoes was made secretary.
Bishop Clippinger took the chair.
We, your committee on the work in the Philippines, send Christian greetings to our Filipino brethren.
We wish first of all to thank God for the victories of the Gospel both among the Ilocanos and Highlands peoples.
We wish to congratulate and commend our Filipino brethren on their zeal in evangelistic work and in the progress made in the support of the church.
We thank God for their courage and heroism in facing difficult situations and we especially rejoice in the deep love they have shown in sharing their blessings with their neighbors.
We are deeply pained that we must say that owing to the economic crisis in financial affairs in the United States we shall not be able to help as much in finan- cing the work in the Islands this year as heretofore. On this account we have no alternative but to challenge our younger brethren to come forward boldly, as the fathers of victorious churches have done in every age, and meet this new crisis as we endeavor to assist in supporting the churches both at home and abroad. Many of our churches will find it difficult to maintain their existence in the United States.
We believe in the courage and ability of the Filipino brethren to meet this new difficulty and assure them of cur aid, our prayers and Christian sympathy, in sharing with us in the difficulties in Kingdom building.
We, your committee, make the following recommendations:
I. That Doctor Ziegler appoint a committee of three to receive and ship religious books to the Philippines for the pastors' libraries.
2. We recommend that in order to insure participation of our Filipino min- isters in the benefits of the Pension Fund:
First. That we recommend to the Pension Bureau that Filipino ordained ministers be received on the basis of half the amount granted to retired ministers in America, and that they be required to pay half the premium, inasmuch as five hundred pesos will insure as much relief to a retired minister in the Philippines as five hundred dollars will do in the United States.
Second. That we ask the privilege of applying Publishing House dividends paid to the Philippine Mission as part payment on the premiums of the older ordained Filipino pastors to the amount not to exceed one-third of the premium.
Third. That we recommend to the Northern Luzon Conference that a sum be set aside from their Mutual Aid Fund to pay one-third of the premium of the older ministers and in addition a special fund be raised to aid the Pension Bureau, but that no quota be set.
Fourth. That younger ordained pastors just beginning the ministry come into the Pension Plan on the same basis as ordained pastors in America, with the exception that the pension and the premium be just one-half that paid in the United States.
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
Fifth. That the above recommendations made in behalf of the older ordained Filipino pastors in reference to aid in paying their premiums be granted in propor- tion to the total number of years of service.
3. That Recommendation No. 3 (We recommend that a proportionate increase in the Bible Training School budget and a special item for the balance of Miss Lorenzana's support, as recommended in our budget letter, be appropriated), be referred to the Appropriation Committee.
4. That we make special efforts to secure funds for continuing the special evangelistic campaign and team.
5. That in order to encourage the program of chapel building already launched in the Philippine Conference, and believing that stimulation of the building of permanent chapels by the Filipino brethren will help to establish the kingdom of God, we approve of Recommendation No. 5 (We recommend a program of chapel building in the Philippines as outlined in the Survey Report, page 27, and that immediate steps be taken to make this survey financially possible).
6. That we recommend the transfer of the Manila church property according to the policy and legal regulations of the Manila Conference of the United Evan- gelical Church in the Philippines, at the recommendation of the Mission Council; (This is in accord with the agreement authorized by the Board at its annual session in 1926 and also in 1927).
. 7. That recommendation No. 7 (We reiterate our recommendation of a year ago that a couple be appointed in the immediate future for school and evangelistic work in Ifugao.) be adopted, as soon as funds can be made available.
8. That recommendation No. 8 (We recommend that a system of credit be arranged by the Board with the International Banking Corporation.) be referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Respectfully submitted,
A. R. CLIPPINGER, Bishop W. N. ROBERTS MISS LOTTIE SPESSARD MRS. E. M. HURSH H. W. WIDDOES M. W. MUMMA Committee
ACHIEVEMENTS IN PORTO RICO
Dear Co-Laborers in the Extension of the Kingdom of Christ:
The Porto Rico United Brethren Mission sends to you hearty fraternal greetings and congratulates you most sincerely on your 75 years of splendid history and inspiring achievements. We are proud to be allied with the church in its foreign missionary enter- prise.
After many years it falls to my lot to prepare the annual report of the mission. For the past three months I have been occupying the superintendency of the mission, made vacant through the resignation of Dr. I. E. Caldwell, who left the field the early part of . June.
THE LEAVING OF THE CALDWELLS
Rev. Philo W. Drury
In the first place, I desire to make reference to the services of Dr. and Mrs. I. E. Caldwell, covering a period of twenty-three years. I do this by the following statement which I furnished the Porto Rico News Letter of September 1, 1930:
"On October 1, Dr. and Mrs. I. E. Caldwell will retire from active participation in the work of the United Brethren Mission in Porto Rico, after a most fruitful service covering a period of twenty-three years. Those who are acquainted with the service they have rendered are conscious of the distinct loss that the Mission has sustained, for their lives were characterized by the deepest devotion and the utmost efficiency in their work for the Master. With them the interests of the Kingdom were always foremost. 'Spent in Kingdom service' aptly epitomizes their stay in Porto Rico, and the Island is so much the richer because so unstintedly did they pour their life energies here.
"Doctor Caldwell not only was a leader in his own denomination but was intimately associated with the interdenominational work which plays such an important part in this mission field. He always championed the larger interests of the Kingdom and was regarded as a safe and valued counsellor in this broader aspect of the work.
"During almost a quarter of a century I have been closely associated with Doctor Caldwell in mission work and I hold in the highest regard the splendid contribution that he has made to it. He became my successor in the pastorate of the Juana Diaz Church in 1907 and in 1919 succeeded me in the superintendency of the Mission, and now it falls to my lot to become his successor in that position, at least for the present.
"While it is with a deep sense of regret that the Mission must forego the close and happy associations with these workers who have so closely identified them- selves with it, yet we congratulate them on the new opportunities that have come to them unsolicited, and we wish for them that joy in service that springs from the consciousness of following the Master's leading."
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
GENERAL CONDITIONS OF THE ISLAND
Distressing economic conditions prevail throughout the Island. The economic situation has never been very satisfactory here but the suffering and want and need were greatly augmented by the hurricane of September 13, 1928. The Island will not recover from the serious effects of the hurricane for many years to come and in the coffee districts especially, which occupy a large part of the Island, an average crop cannot be expected for four years more.
Then, there is the serious situation of unemployment. Multiplied thousands of people eager to work find it impossible to secure employment. Governor Roosevelt, seconded by leading men in the Island, is making an effort to develop new industries and to invite manufacturers of the United States to open up fac- tories here. The process of amelioration of the condition of the people by the establishment of new industries is a slow one and yet, probably nothing like this will contribute to their permanent well being.
The Governor has appealed to some of the leading philanthropic organizations of the States and these have responded liberally. Lunch rooms for school children, free distribution of milk to undernourished children, and aid given by the United States Government for the rebuilding of roads and school houses damaged by the hurricane are bringing much needed relief, but, of course, this is merely of a tem- porary character and there is need of placing the living conditions of the people of the Island upon a more permanent basis. .
The public schools have inaugurated a program which contemplates preparing our young people for efficient work in agriculture and the trades. Wages here are extremely low, but with more intelligent and efficient workmen the remuneration naturally will be increased. While the conditions under which we must labor are of a most depressing nature, yet we are hopeful of the final outcome because of the constructive measures that are being employed on behalf of the people.
Naturally, these conditions have a very direct bearing on the spiritual situa- tion. Due to the existing hunger and need on the part of the large majority of the people in our Island, the physical needs of the people press heavily upon them. They struggle to keep alive, they search for employment everywhere, but usually with scant results, and the tendency is, in so many cases, for the people to give but little attention to spiritual needs.
Yet, there has never been a time when the consolation and positive up-lift which the Gospel brings has been so needful as now. Our yearning is to relate Jesus Christ to the daily life of our suffering and undernourished people. There is no other solution for this complicated problem outside of giving Christ proper recognition, thus establishing proper relations between God and man.
Furthermore, these conditions are related directly to the work of the Mission. In some instances, they are reflected in the spirit of our people and produce a depressing effect on their lives in general. In addition, they are closely related to the question of self-support and our churches at the present time are struggling more with this issue than at any previous time.
THE DOMINICAN DISASTER
The work in Porto Rico and the Dominican Republic has been so closely related from the beginning of missionary activities in the Republic and through ties of race, and language, and proximity, the relations between these two coun- tries have always been most cordial, so that when the hurricane of September 3 brought about such widespread destruction in Santo Domingo City, the chord of
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ACHIEVEMENTS IN PORTO RICO
deepest sympathy on the part of our people was touched. Immediately relief through personal and material mediums was offered the Dominican people. Porto Rico, in the midst of her poverty and need, for the moment overlooked the situa- tion and contemplated merely the people visited by this misfortune. It is very gratifying to be able to state that the evangelical churches in Porto Rico issued a call for help which was responded to most liberally and in about three weeks the offerings in cash amounted to $1,055.43. In addition, clothing valued at about $500 was sent to the Dominican people by our churches.
THE PROPOSED CHURCH UNION
This matter has been referred to in former reports so that the Board of Directors is conversant with it, but there have been some developments during the year which I desire to bring to your attention. On the fifth day of March, 1930, repre-
United Brethren Church at Ponce
sentatives of the seven denominations cooperating in the Evangelical Union of Porto Rico, met in San Juan for the purpose of considering the formation of a united evangelical church. A resolution and a plan were drawn up, to be sub- mitted to the Boards and denominational organizations. All of these organizations have not expressed themselves on the plan, while two of the denominations rejected it, at least temporarily. However, three denominations-the Congregational, the Christian, and the United Brethren-have approved it, and in harmony with the provision in the plan of organization which states that the plan may become effective when three or more denominations have approved it, it is very likely that in the near future the United Evangelical Church of Porto Rico will be organized with these three churches in the hope that other denominations will join in the merger later on.
The developments are coming so rapidly that it now seems probable that this union may be effected as early as January, 1931. At that time, we are hoping that Board representatives of the three denominations will visit Porto Rico and that it will be possible to hold an epoch-making assembly in which the union will be formally promulgated. Representatives of the denominations of the Evangelical
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
Union will be invited to participate in this event. The prospects of a United Church with all that this means for unity and efficiency are already bringing to our work a new inspiration and hope.
THE COOPERATIVE WORK IN THE ISLAND
Almost from the beginning the evangelical denominations at work in Porto Rico have cooperated heartily in their common task. Cooperation has been more highly developed than in any other mission field in Latin America. A peri- odical and theological seminary are maintained jointly. Educational institutions and hospitals, though under denominational auspices, are really serving the entire work and receive cooperation from other denominations. A Summer Conference of the churches of the Evangelical Union has been held annually for the past ten years. The last one held in August, 1930, proved to be the most successful thus far. It had the character of a training institute and doubtless future conferences will be of the same nature. This conference is fraught with practical results as well as with inspiration and constitutes one of the most important features in maintaining the spirit of cordial cooperation.
I have been closely identified with the cooperative movement from the begin- ning and when the Evangelical Union was organized in 1916, I was made its Executive Secretary and the Board was asked to release me to the work of that position. This work was naturally connected with the management of our printing plant, paper and bookstore, so for almost fifteen years I have been Executive Secretary of the Evangelical Union. It seems to me, however, that the time has come when it is advisable for me to relinquish the duties of this position and that a Porto Rican be called to it. Thus, it is my purpose, at the coming session of the Evangelical Union, November II-13, to decline a re-election. This will permit me to give more time to the affairs of the Mission.
THE PAST YEAR IN REVIEW
Statistics. The report for the year ending December 31, 1929, presents the following statistics: Organized churches, 21; other preaching places, 20; members, 1,715; offerings for all purposes, $6,289.17; 31 Sunday Schools with an enrollment of 2,866; 19 Christian Endeavor societies (senior and junior) with 724 members; 2 Otterbein Guilds with 65 members; value of mission property, $116,330.70.
The Workers. At present the mission staff consists of five missionaries. Twenty native workers are employed, nine of whom are women. There have been but few changes among the workers during the year. Marked devotion has character- ized their work.
Evangelism in Rural Districts. Considerable emphasis has been placed on this phase of the work, and to it Doctor Caldwell gave close attention. He was ably assisted by some of the native pastors. This work has been productive of excellent results, and through it some new points of great promise have been opened up.
Social Activities. The Community House in Yauco, under the direction of Miss Dortha M. Okrueg, has proven to be an invaluable aid to the work. An exceptionally fine service is being rendered the young people. Recently a kinder- garten has been opened up in the Community House with one of the girls in charge.
In Ponce the first floor of one of our mission houses is being used occasionally for social work among young people with very satisfactory results. This work is being directed by Miss Cofresi.
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ACHIEVEMENTS IN PORTO RICO
Daily Vacation Bible Schools have been conducted in five of our centers with good results. An inspiring Sunday School and Christian Endeavor convention was held in August.
Some slight advance has been made in self-support during the year. Addi- tional responsibilities have been placed upon the native workers and churches, and it is very gratifying to see the favorable reaction. It is the policy of the Mission to transfer responsibilities to the churches as rapidly as possible and at the same time enlarge their liberties.
THE EXISTING DEFICIT
A very embarrassing deficit has been hovering over the Mission for more than 'a year, making it necessary to borrow money under very difficult circum- stances and to use all personal funds available. The larger part of this deficit,
-
Faculty and Students at Union Theological Seminary, 1930
that is, $1,483.90, comes over from 1929. During that year and the latter part of 1928, it was necessary to repair and replace buildings damaged and destroyed by the hurricane of September, 1928. Doctor Caldwell was authorized to proceed with this work, and he spent on reconstruction $3,339.02, yet he only received on this account the sum of $1,855.12, according to his statement, making a difference of $1,487.58. We kindly request the Board to make provision for this amount and to relieve us from the worry incident to borrowing money.
THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BUDGET
The budget as herewith appended, represents our ideal of what is needed with the present staff of workers. It plans for the utilization of our present force to the best advantage, and this, in our conception, represents the greatest economy. No new workers are provided for in it, but some additional work is contemplated. We regret exceedingly that the churches are not able to assume larger financial responsibilities, but the present conditions will not permit this. The churches are passing through a severe crisis and they are struggling to meet their present obligations.
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
Education ... From the budget it will be noted that considerable emphasis is placed on education. This is, of course, fundamental. No substantial progress can be made without due regard to this aspect of the work. We are conducting no educational institutions, yet in the cooperative program of the churches our Mission is afforded certain privileges. There is a resultant economy in such an arrangement, for were we to provide the necessary institutions for our young people our present expenditures for education would be multiplied many fold.
In the Evangelical Seminary we assume our proportionate share of the expense, ยท but in the Polytechnic Institute and the Blanche Kellogg Institute we maintain scholarships for the number of young people we have in them. The preparation of leaders is by far our greatest present need and we must give increasing import- ance to this phase of the work.
The item of $400 on the salary of a religious education secretary has reference to a plan fostered by the Evangelical Union whereby a general secretary will be employed for the Island, and the amount stated refers to our share of the funds needed. We do not have any one within our denomination who can do this work, and yet there is the greatest need for it, and then if we cooperate with the other denominations there will be a corresponding economy.
Publication. We also assume our proportionate share in Puerto Rico Evangelico, the interdenominational periodical, printing plant and bookstore. This plan for furnishing literature to our people not. only is economical, but it makes possible 'a service that otherwise would be impossible.
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