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 9
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Standing upon this pinnacle of time we review the years with ever increasing interest and appreciation. It is only a vain attempt to tell what has been accom- plished in the field of missions during the last seventy-five years. Two generations have come and gone since this noble experiment was tried. That it has proven successful is not a debatable question for the annals of United Brethren Church history have devoted pages to further achievements which mark in a very definite way the progress of a denomination. Only those souls that have been led from darkness into light through the efforts of our missionaries can write the story of missionary progress. Only those individuals that have been redeemed and have washed and made themselves clean can tell what God hath wrought in heathen lands. The greatest chapter on foreign missions has never been written. The real facts will never be known until the Lamb's Book of Life is opened and we review the names of those that have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. What a story of Christian progress that will be. On one page will be written the names of those noble Christian missionaries who have lived like heroes and some have died martyrs to the cause of Christ. On the opposite page will be inscribed the names of those whom they have won to Jesus Christ.
Yet we are not left without tangible evidence and along the road of life are many mile posts which tell of missionary progress. The history of missions is like an inverted pyramid. It is like the cloud which Elijah saw, the size of a man's hand, but it brought refreshing rains. It is like the onflowing stream, ever deepen- ing and broadening, carrying with it new life. It is like the leaven which the woman hid in three measures of meal. So the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to spread and penetrate the darkest sections of the world. Our time is too short and
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
our knowledge too limited to recite all the facts in connection with our history of missions. Yet there are epochs and incidents which will serve as inspiration to us and help us to a fuller realization of the leading hand of God.
It is hard for us at this distant point of time to fully realize the conditions which must have obtained when it first entered the hearts and minds of our fathers to send out missionaries. There were many then who said we have heathen enough at home, why send missionaries to Africa. But they were undaunted in their efforts and with a courage that knew no doubt they selected Africa as the most opportune field of operation. As they said, "It is the most needy field and the most difficult to cultivate." At the first session of the Missionary Society, held in Westerville, June 1, 1854, Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner presiding, the Rev. W. J. Shuey, then a pastor in Cincinnati, was appointed missionary to the West Coast of Africa. His chief work was to locate a field and open up that field for other mis- sionaries that soon would follow. In November of the same year the Executive Committee selected Rev. D. K. Flickinger and Dr. D. C. Kumler to accompany him. They set sail January 23, 1855, and arrived at Freetown, West Africa, February 26. This was before the days of our Civil War and the right to hold slaves was a much debated question. The negro was the subject of discussion in many groups. England had already abolished slavery and Sierra Leone had become a shelter for the English slave. The American trader soon began the traffic among black men. To send out missionaries under such circumstances made the work all the more difficult and more hazardous. Conditions were not at all auspicious for the work of these early missionaries. At the Board Meeting in June, 1856, the following resolution was adopted:
"We would not conceal the fact that the moral and physical conditions of Africa present gigantic obstructions to the progress of the Gospel, and were it not for the vast importance connected with its evangelization, and especially for the positive command of Christ to go there and preach, we should abandon the work in despair. We trust the church has counted the cost and will stand by the Board in every emergency."
Indeed the next year Doctor Flickinger visited Liberia with the thought of opening up our work in that province but returned to recommend that the Church should continue to work in Sierra Leone. Finally Chief Caulker offered a site for the mission consisting of one hundred acres of land on a cape extending into the sea.
The next year a portable frame chapel and house combined was sent out from New York City and erected at Shenge by Rev. J. K. Billheimer and Doctor Witt. This was the beginning of our work in Africa. These faithful and untiring mission- aries labored three years before they began to see the fruits of their labors. The first convert was one named Tom Tucker and the second Lucy Caulker, a daughter of the chief who gave us the land. She became an outcast at the hands of her father because of her religious belief. Later, however, she was instrumental in leading her father, the chief of the tribe, to accept Jesus as his Savior also. The first decade of our missionary experiment ended with but two converts.
For a period of two years there was no missionary on the field, from April, 1864, until December, 1866, when Rev. and Mrs. O. Hadley arrived in Shenge. They served two and one-half years, the longest term of any of our missionaries up to that time. He contracted the African fever and came home very sick. In just one week after his arrival at their home in Lafayette, Indiana, April 28, 1869, he died a martyr to the cause of missions.
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SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF MISSION WORK
The General Conference of 1869 at Lebanon, Pennsylvania, considered at some length the missionary project and there was a strong feeling that all future efforts should be abandoned but Doctor Flickinger pleaded for the cause and his wishes prevailed. A special effort was then made to procure more money and other missionaries. One year later, Rev. and Mrs. Gomer, colored missionaries from America, were sent out. This was in the year 1871. From that day to this there has never been a day when some missionary has not been on the west coast of Africa. At the end of twenty years there were but two organized churches with twenty-four members. This early history was most discouraging and I have taken considerable time telling the story that you may see and appreciate the faith, the sacrifice, and the determination of these fathers who were pioneers in the cause of missions.
The next milestone along the road of progress in missions was the organization of the Women's Missionary Society (1872) and the opening up of work at Rotifunk in the year 1876. The faithful women of the Church have given themselves un- stintingly in service and money for the spread of the Gospel in foreign lands from that early day to the present time with ever increasing interest and zeal. The educational work of this organization has been of untold value to the denomination in the field of missions. God alone can measure the great good that has been accomplished through this efficient organization.
New fields have been opened up from year to year in Sierra Leone. Right early the missionaries saw the great need of educational work if the cause of mis- sions was to be made permanent. The first real and permanent step in this direc- tion was the erection of the Rufus Clark Training School at Shenge. This building was made possible by the generous gift of Mr. and Mrs. Clark of Denver, Colorado, the largest sum that had hitherto been given. The materials for the construction of the school were taken from the ruins of the John Newton slave pen on Plantain Island. Doctor Hough says, "Thus the wrath of man was made to praise God." Simultaneous with this was the erection of a school for girls at Rotifunk, known as the Mary Sowers Home for Girls.
I have not time to trace every step along the line of progress but by way of a summary I quote from Doctor Ziegler's and Bishop Statton's report of their visit to Africa. They report 32 organized churches with a communicant membership of 2,163 and about 1,500 seekers. A still larger number in the Sunday School. A total of 30 missionaries including wives on the field. There are now 26 itinerant ministers, 15 of whom are ordained. It should also be said there are about 100 other `workers. In addition to the educational and evangelistic work, there are 5 dispensaries and hospitals which treated last year over 25,000 patients. Our total church property in West Africa is valued at $214,713.
The next important step in our missionary work is the opening up of a new field in Southern China, in the year 1889-forty-one years ago. This work was undertaken by the good women of our Church when they sent out Rev. George Sickafoose, Miss Austia Petterson, later Mrs. H. K. Shumaker, and Miss Lillian Schaffner. They located on the Island of Honam, Canton. Right soon, in the year 1891 and 1892, these early missionaries were reinforced by Doctor Halverson and Doctor Regina Bigler, who still lives and wields a wonderful influence for good on the original field where she took up the work. What a wonderful record of service she has had across a period of four decades. Her tender ministries in the healing of the body and the binding up of broken hearts will never be known on
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
earth. God alone can tell the faithful works of this good woman. May these, the latter years of life, be the sweetest and best of all.
Medical work in China has received greater emphasis here than in any of our fields, perhaps because of the mass of population, and secondly because of the festering sores and lack of sanitary living. Educational work also has been second only to the work of medicine. It should be said that all this work is only a means to an end, that end being the salvation of the souls of those who go groping their way in superstition and fear. Missionary work in China in recent years has been greatly retarded by the continuous unrest and uprisings, making it hazardous for our missionaries to go about especially into the country. The work carried on for girls at Miller Seminary, Siu Lam, is a monument to the faith of the Women's Missionary Society. It was the writer's happy privilege to participate five years ago in the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of Miller Seminary. At that time two little girls were presented of the second generation. The most recent work in China is the Union effort in the schools also the United Church of China. In the Chinese struggle for liberty the indigenous church alone appeals to them. Today II missionaries, 9 native ministers, 1,018 communicant members, compose the staff and Church.
Our next missionary venture was in the Sunrise Empire of Japan. The first missionaries to be sent out were Dr. and Mrs. A. T. Howard in the year 1895. The Japanese had already been giving much attention to medicine and public schools so in that respect our task was much relieved. The chief duty of the mis- sionaries was to evangelize and build up a native church among a people that were well on their way to complete civilization. Indeed, Japan claims to be the only civilized nation in the Orient. In Japan as no where else much good, both direct and indirect, has been accomplished through kindergarten work. . The term of service is longer in Japan than in some other fields because of the salubrious climate. Since the year 1900 we have been cooperating with the Doshisha University at Kyoto. At present Dr. Frank Shively is our teacher on the staff of the Theological faculty. Our work in Japan has progressed slowly but very securely. The number of missionaries are few as the native workers are quite capable and able to carry on successfully for themselves. There are 19 native pastors with 20 other workers, a communicant membership of 2,003, and 12 church houses with a valuation of $258,725.
The Spanish-American War had no sooner come to a close in 1898, than the missionary centers of the United States felt an obligation in carrying the Gospel to Porto Rico. The West Indies like the Philippines had had a Catholic back- ground for centuries, but knew not the hope and joy and peace of the Protestant Christian.
The several missionary Boards from Continental America sent their secretaries to Porto Rico to explore this newly acquired territory. Among those who went was our own secretary, Dr. Wm. M. Bell. The Island was divided into sections, each denomination taking certain areas for intensive cultivation. United Brethren were assigned territory in the south, with Ponce as the headquarters.
Our first missionary, Rev. N. H. Huffman, arrived July 27, 1899. In 1901 Rev. Philo Drury and wife, now superintendent of our mission, went to the Island. Our first church was built in Ponce in 1902 under the direction of Brother Huffman. Three years ago it was rebuilt and enlarged. It was my happy privilege to dedicate this new building which is one of the largest and best on the Island. Our major
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SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF MISSION WORK
work in Porto Rico is along the line of Evangelism. There still remain unoccupied barrios in our area.
Dr. Philo Drury, Executive Secretary of the Evangelical Union and Manager of the Union Press, is rejoicing at the completion of plans for a United Protestant (Evangelical) Church in Porto Rico. This coming January the first, Annual Assembly will convene, at which time the mission churches of the Congregational, Christian, and United Brethren will unite by action of the Mission and the approval of the supporting Boards.
The concrete results of our labors in Porto Rico are indicated by these figures: 13 native pastors, 21 organized churches with a membership of 1,715, 31 Sunday schools with 2,866 enrolled officers and pupils.
Very soon after opening of work in Porto Rico, the Mission Boards of America turned their faces toward the Philippines which came under the control of the United States also. Early pioneers were Revs. S. B. Kurtz, E. S. Eby, and Rev. and Mrs. L. O. Burtner. The work was difficult and the situation discouraging the first few years. For a time the Women's Missionary Society- which opened the field-considered seriously the question of withdrawing. At last those who had faith in the project won and another family was sent out in 1903. They were Rev. and Mrs. H. W. Widdoes of Kansas. Mr. Widdoes moved to San Fernando, the capital of La Union Province. He and Rev. M. W. Mumma, who came a year later, determined to make this the center for our work. From then on the Mission grew until now it is the largest in membership and the most advanced in self-support. A rare type of Filipino leadership was won and trained. Our pioneer work now is among the tribes of Mountain Province. There are 14 mis- sionaries on the staff, 30 Filipino pastors, a church membership of 5,500, and church property with an appraised value of $220,000.
Sometimes it is said that figures do not mean much, yet statistics do represent the framework and machinery by means of which organizations or movements achieve and make progress. If we keep this in mind the following summary will be of interest:
Missionaries
64
Native ministers_
IOI
Other workers.
177
Organized churches
I27
Members
12,417
Contributions on the field
$40,123
Total value of property, (Appraised)
$1,010,494
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Africa being the most backward of the fields in which we are working was the slowest to develop. Today, however, we have a growing Church and conference well manned by African leaders. In two fields, China and the Philippines, we have seen various mission churches federate and form one strong national church. Our mission churches are united with these national movements. In four fields much of our educational work is carried on in union institutions. We have union medical institutions and presses also. The last ten years has seen remarkable progress in self-support.
A unique piece of cooperative work was undertaken in Santo Domingo in 1920. A Board for Christian work in Santo Domingo was organized by representatives from the following churches: Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Brethren. Dr. P. W. Drury, missionary in Porto Rico, was pioneer in this work. Results are
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
very encouraging. The plan affords an opportunity for trying out cooperation at home through one board, thereby eliminating denominational competition and confusion on the field.
The history, growth, and development of any institution or project centers not in location, natural surroundings, or environment but in personality and char- acter. To write the history of missions would mean to write the biography of noble men and women, some of whom have died as martyrs to the cause. This long list of noble sons and daughters of God is made up not only of those who have gone abroad but of consecrated men and women who have given of their children and their money to make possible a holy work like this. When the Lamb's Book of Life is opened and the roll of the missionary saints is called, they shall come from the north, the south, the east, and the west. From the islands of the sea and the continents of the world, from the humble cottage on the mountain side and the comfortable mansion in the great city, they come, they come.
While we are assembled in holy memory of others and to celebrate the beginning of a great work, I have a feeling there is also a reunion just beyond the gates of death, somewhere in the realm of the Celestial. At the feet of Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, I see Doctors Shuey, Flickinger, and Kumler, together with our martyrs in Africa, Crecelius of Japan, Kelvin Shoop and Miss Bertch of China, and a long list of others, who have laid down their lives that others might live in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is pleasant to stand on this pinnacle of achievement and review the past in panoramic view, yet we must not tarry here for there is much work to do at the foot of the mountain. The lives of these great men and women of the past are an inspiration to us while the future challenges us to all that is holy and good.
Faith of our fathers, living still, In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword, Oh how our hearts beat high with joy Whene'er I hear the glorious word! Faith of our fathers, holy faith, We will be true to thee till death.
Women's Ward, Mission Hospital, Philippines
SURVEY AND CHART 1855-1880. A PERIOD OF BEGINNINGS
When the Church began its foreign mission work it had less than 50,000 mem- bers and very few funds to carry on the enterprise. They met so many difficulties and reverses in the early years that some looked upon it as a plain indication that
The growth of the four items shown in the graph were computed on different scales, so they must not be compared with each other. The graph, however, does give a true picture of the growth in each case.
Membership at home
50,000 to the large
square
Membership abroad
2,000 to the large square
Contributions at home for foreign work
$25,000 to the large square Contributions by native church
$10,000 to the large
square
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First Quarter 1855 - 1880
Second Quarter 1880 - 1905
Third Quarter 1905 - 1930
the mission should be abandoned. But it was not. A few refused to give up in despair, among them were the women who organized a society in 1872 and began work in Africa also. The first twenty-five years closed with two mission stations, five missionaries, and about 150 native Christians. In the meantime the mem- bership at home had increased to 157,835 and the annual contributions for foreign missions to $8,500.
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
1880-1905. A PERIOD OF EXPANSION
The next quarter of a century was characterized by expansion. Four new fields were entered during this period. China in 1889, Japan in 1895, Porto Rico in 1899, and the Philippines in 1901. The quarter closed with 31 missionaries on the field, 38 organized churches, and 1,429 members. Plans were then laid for more intensive work. The enterprise proved a blessing to the church at home, for we made another marked gain, closing the period with 252,745 members and with annual contributions for the work abroad totaling $56,000.
1905-1930. A PERIOD OF DEVELOPMENT AND ADJUSTMENT
This period was marked by an intensive effort to develop an indigenous church. The results are indicated by the following figures which give a summary of our work: Missionaries 64, ordained native pastors 52, organized churches 127, mem- bers 12,417. Think of this! These 12,417 members contributed more last year for all purposes-educational, medical and evangelistic-than our entire church contributed for the work twenty-five years ago. Remarkable growth in the Church at home was noted also. At the close of the quarter our membership numbered 394,025 and their contributions for the work abroad increased to $187,573 annually.
1930-1955. A PERIOD OF COOPERATION AND ADVANCEMENT
The tasks confronting us today are not any more difficult than those confront- ing our forefathers. Seventy-five years ago it seemed almost impossible. Some even said it was foolish to attempt it. Look at the results. Surely the records of the past should inspire us. If the Church with such meager forces and limited resources could do such exploits through faith, what cannot the Church with its men and resources do today through a living faith in the same God? These ac- complishments are a guarantee that God will do for us what He did for our fathers if we trust Him and go forward.
Baptismal Service in Taio River, West Africa
A CALL TO PRAYER AND UNSELFISH SERVICE
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINDINGS AND FUTURE WORK
We are deeply impressed as we look back over the past seventy-five years of missionary history in our church. The daring faith of our fathers, the tender compassion, the absorbing interest in reaching those lost and dying, who were living without any knowledge of the Son of God, the unique conviction of the immediacy of the task and their personal responsibility for it, all this, coupled with an un- shaken belief in the absolute adequacy and supremacy of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world moves us. We feel the urge of a new and holy purpose and sense anew our part in carrying on the work so nobly wrought by them through faith in the Son of God.
As we face the next quarter of a century of missionary effort we are conscious that new world conditions have created exceedingly perplexing problems for us. We are sure, however, that He who wrought so mightily through consecrated men and women in the past is the same eternal Christ who beckons us today to share in the glory of a redeemed world. He changeth not neither are His plans for the redemption of a lost world altered. His last commission has not been revoked. His Gospel must be declared until every nation and every tongue shall know the wondrous story, and we His followers must be the bearers of that message.
The missionary task is not optional, but continues to be the central task of the church and is obligatory upon every true follower of Christ. Christ's command leaves no room for question. The widespread complacency, the declining support of the work, the apparent dearth in intercessory prayer, and the alarming growth in self-indulgence reveals a serious condition within the church. We would, therefore,
I. Call the whole church-pastors and laity-to a new dedication of self to Christ in a pledge of fullest obedience and to a return to His way of simple living, earnest praying, and sacrificial sharing.
Only as He lives again in the hearts of His followers by the power of the Holy Spirit will the conviction of the urgency of the task be recovered and His resources be released for its accomplishment. This is our most urgent call because it touches our greatest need.
2. We recommend a great extension of missionary education with all the wider implications of the missionary task, which coupled with the Spirit of God will broaden the vision, create conviction, and challenge life, prayer, and financial support beyond anything which has characterized the efforts of the past seventy- five years.
3. We realize the faith and valor manifest in the life and practice of the younger church, and recommend that there be an interchange of spiritual values by bringing occasionally into this country some of the most able Christian leaders obtainable in other lands for deputation work in churches, conventions, and other gatherings, and for lectures in our schools.
4. We recognize the trend toward the unification of all Christian forces abroad through interdenominational cooperation and church union as a most hopeful
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THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY OF TRIUMPH
sign in the growing kingdom and recommend that the Board continue to give whole-hearted encouragement to our missionaries in all lands in further efforts toward such unity in every phase of missionary work. Nothing short of a united church in every land can fulfill our Lord's prayer for His followers.
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