San Rafael, California
January, 1909?
Alice F. Moffett
Dear little Mother,
Jamie and Baby are both better than they were. The only result with Jamie was the passing of one more worm 8-9 inches long. Probably he will need another course [of worm medicine] later on but I shall let him rest awhile. We have had good times together. He is a different boy when I can give time to him - quiet and obedient. Baby has not been sick at all, only restless and wakeful. Night before last he woke at 10:30 & played till after 12! I sat up with him in the dining room. He did not cry at all but was on wires every minute. The gum was swollen & shiny. He would grab at my finger in his desire to bite and then find the gum was so sore he could not. Last night he slept more but was restless - so I was up 12 times. The point of the tooth is through now and he will be better.
Mrs. Joseph wants a new wash boiler, a water pail, a rolling pin and some canvas to make a tent for the children. I took the boiler & had it mended (she could have done that) and gave her a pail from her. I felt sure there was a rolling pin left there - do you know? Do you know of any canvas on the place they could have? She said Mr. J[oseph] saw some when he was over once and they thought they might have it to use.
The letter of Mr. Smith’s which you sent I took to missionary meeting Wednesday and it was read. Remember, dear, it was a personal report to the New York Board, not a letter to a Society. Every missionary is required to send just such a report to account for his time and necessarily it is full of “I’s”. I, too, have to write such a report each year but I sincerely hope they are not sent out.
I do hope your sciatica will stop soon. That is such a hard pain to bear. It is still windy and colder here this morning. Am glad Father is away from it.
Have not succeeded in finding a room for cousin Emma. No one wants to rent for a week.
It might shut out someone for the summer. Think I shall give her your room and if Father returns while she is here, ask him to take the sitting room again for a while. Is there any objection to this?
Must close now in haste. A heart full of love to you both,
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyengyang, Korea
January 2, 1909
William N. Blair
Dear Dr. Brown:
This is to be a station news letter and I am glad to be able to report all well and a most Merry Xmas and a happy New Year in Pyeng Yang. Of course you have heard of the birth of Henry Milton Wells on December 30*, but 1 must also record it here. Baby and mother are doing nicely. Dr. Moffett is back at last from his long trip to Japan and south Korea. Pyeng Yang hardly seems Pyeng Yang without Dr. Moffett. Mrs. Baird looks very much strengthened by her furlough.
I am also glad to report that Mr. Lee is much stronger this fall than for some time previously. We were all very much worried about him. I suppose you know what a blessing he has been to us all and the Koreans especially since the Revival. I think Mr. Lee has succeeded in keeping the spirit of those wonderful days better than most of us. Mr. McMurtrie is taking hold of the Aima Davis Industrial Department [of the Academy] splendidly. On account of Mr. Lee’s poor health in the fall he had to drop the work entirely and I was appointed to it with McMurtrie, but I have been letting McMurtrie do all the work. This department seems to interest visitors here almost more than anything else. It is good to see the boys at work in the printing office, the carpenter shop, the
machine shop, the blacksmith shop and the department. I hope Mr. Davis will back this
department hard and get it soon to a place where we can help several hundred boys work their way through school.
You may know that I have been teaching in the college and academy this fall trying to help fill the hole made by Dr. Baird’s absence. I have taught about twenty classes a week, nearly all in the upper college and you know I’ve had to hustle, especially as I am carrying all the other work that I had last year including the An Ju circuit and the Pyeng Yang North church. Of course the Koreans have had to do most of the work though I have gone out as often as possible on Saturday to spend Sunday. I have not been able to visit nearly all the groups so a committee of two Korean elders has always gone before me and visited each smaller group, examining the candidates for catechumenate and for baptism and all these groups met where I went and I baptized and did all sessional work largely on the advise of the committee. This does very well for a time, as a makeshift but I realize that I am greatly needed among the churches. One of my churches is passing through a very severe trial just now. An elder in the church has been guilty of adultery and brought disgrace and confusion on the whole work in that section. He is here now, a repentant, broken-hearted man but oh the mischief that has been done.
We have had a great year in the College and Academy. The union with the Methodists works better than ever. Mr. Becker of the M.E. [Methodist Episcopal] mission is doing most
excellent work and is greatly beloved by all the boys. McCune too is a himself - one of the
finest things that has happened in a long time was raising of ¥ 260°° by the college and academy boys to support a school missionary. Kim Hyung-Cha, my secretary, was chosen and he is to go to Quelpart [Cheju-Do] shortly, where as you know, the Korean church has work well started.
Sincerely,
William N. Blair
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #1)
Minneapolis, Minnesota January 5, 1909 James A. Paige
My dear niece, Alice Moffett,
I have just had the privilege of reading your letter to your mother forwarded by her to Emma, and from it have a fairly good idea of the hardship of your passage home with your baby Charlie and little boy, Jamie, and only help of a seasick nurse. I am glad to know that you have all arrived safely and so well at your dear American home, and by this time must adequately appreciate, by your personal presence and knowledge there, the situation in respect to your father and your mother and be able to afford them the aid and benefit of your counsel and comfort as none other could. Your mother has been singularly unfortunate in her experience of suffering, yet brave and courageous in fortitude of endurance through it all. Her Christian humility and patience have claimed and held my admiration and sympathy all the time. For her sake I rejoice in the comfort and support your presence will afford her.
Intimations from her and Emma have given me the impression that your dear papa has seemed also somewhat to have failed. What wonder if so after the earthquake shock and disaster at his advanced age? His vigor of mental capacity and physical nerve must be remarkable to have borne it all absolutely unshaken. Your presence will be a comfort also to him; and for the mere comfort and good cheer of your dear parents, your enterprise in coming home at this time, with all its effort, sacrifice, and cost to you, seems to me fully justified and wise. Yet I appreciate and know you must, [in] the great solicitude, leave behind for the time your dear “Sam” to carry on his great work alone, without you and the children to cheer him at home. But you have accomplished the difficult and arduous passage with admirable heroism, and tho’ the great Pacific Ocean now rolls between you and your beloved husband, God’s love is greater than the widest ocean and His loving arms encircle you both. Trust all in Him, and nestle in the feathers of His brooding wings (Ps.
91 :4). He will bless and prosper you in the loving purpose for which His providence has called you for a time to your American home.
How I wish I could visit you and enjoy a personal interview with you, and see your dear baby Charlie and your sturdy boy, Jamie, and the joy of your father and mother in them both. I cannot write, now 85, as once I could. Hope you excuse failing penmanship, and make the best you can of what I have written. You cannot yet spare time for any reply, but at your leisure I shall hope to hear about you all.
Ever lovingly, your Uncle, James A. Paige
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
San Rafael, California
January 7th, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
My Dearest,
Your precious letter from Chun Ju came yesterday. 1 am hungry for them and longing for you all the time, but oh, so thankful for our many blessings and very thankful, dearest, that I came. There are many problems and many details to be taken up. I find Father worrying somewhat over finances. He has used all his bank account ($2000) this past year for extras, - the salary is now $200 a month and nearly all of this goes to the Sanitarium when Mother is there with a nurse. Home expenses, horse, servant, etc. come from house rent ($155) leaving no margin. There could easily be a margin if I could get hold of the money, but Father is lavish as ever without realizing what he is doing. Frances (Mrs. Ward) who was Mother’s helper a few months ago, was taken sick and in need of hospital care, - her husband, a carpenter, was out of work and had no money so Father handed over $300 and took his note. When the time came for payment Father offered to take a mortgage on their little house and give him another year for payment. Mr. Ward assented, the papers were made out and Father and a lawyer went over to secure Mrs. Ward’s signature. She became very angry at the suggestion and refused to sign. Father then said he would buy the place ($1300) and has now promised to pay them $1000. This places another poor little cottage on our hands and I fear it will be hard to dispose of. The place does not seem worth that much to me and I think the whole transaction a mistake. I think these are the facts but Father has told me three different stories about it and never remembers what he said before. I intend to go to the lawyer for the facts as they are now. It was all unnecessary, I think, and only Father’s generosity and pity for Frances that led him into it. He has turned over the household to me and gives all I need for that but I cannot get hold of any more in order to save and prevent leaks. Mother’s bonds are all intact and the interest has all accumulated so far. Father wants to draw from this for extra expenses but Mother says the monthly income is sufficient if carefully used and if the interest is used up the monthly income will not be saved. So I am trying to work between the two, and am keeping careful household accounts this month to get my bearings. The tinting [?] of the house next door (rented from Jan. 1st took nearly all the first month’s rent, and as yet I have sold only $50 worth of the furniture.
Last Saturday Fatherdy went out and worked, became overheated and was out in a rain and took cold. I could not keep him from it - could only insist on change of clothing when he came in. He was much weakened by a cold which he would have thrown off much more easily two years ago. Monday we were surprised by Mother’s return from Burke. She had taken a severe cold and so feared a return of pneumonia that she dared not stay. I am working with plasters and poultices on her lungs and cough remedies, and have the weights on the limb as much as possible to prevent loss of ground there. The bone certainly yields and that is hopeful.
On Tuesday I went to the city to talk with Dr. Burke and returned a good deal dazed because of the story he told me and the statements he made which do not agree with what took place. Mother has a diary of events and treatment. Of course a physician with many cases in mind could not remember the details of one case months ago but his statements of what he had done the week before were quite contrary to fact and I do not know what to think of it. I think the man has changed greatly and changed because he has not Christian principles to hold him to the mark. His story only made me feel that there has been carelessness in treatment, and even yet I cannot fully account for the condition. He claims however that bony union can still be obtained - wants to try the stretching for two or three weeks more and then apply another cast. So I suppose as soon as this deep cough yields that Mother will return to Burke to follow out this plan.
Jamie is quite well and Baby is himself again except for the little remnant of a cough. He is such a dear, - almost always smiling or cooing. When I lift him up he puts his arms around my neck, buries his fists in my back hair and gives me a precious wet kiss on my cheek. When he lies crowing in the crib he has the cutest way of striking the heel of one foot on the other knee just like a little hammer.
1/07/09 -p.2 A.F.M.
Friday 8th.
This morning Jamie has gone again with Helen and David to kindergarten. Miss Myselt asked each child to bring his favorite Christmas gift and play a game with them - so Jamie took his beloved chu chu engine. 1 think 1 shall have to let him go whenever 1 can, he is so delighted with kindergarten. They sing the songs from his book of finger plays so he feels that he has a part. This morning he said, “We wish we could see Papa and Auntie Louise.” Yesterday he cut out tickets for me to use on the big steamer when we all go back to Papa.
Last Monday evening Dr. Day led the meeting at the beginning of the week of prayer, his subject “The New Bible Country”, giving him opportunity to state just where he stands in respect to Bible truth, inspiration, etc. He said that those who have emigrated from the Old Bible World find just as rich mines of grace in the New and more solid intellectual ground on which to build. They believe the Bible contains the word of God and is inspired and infallible in so far as it deals with the plan of salvation. But God did not dictate the words of the Bible,- He used the minds of the men who wrote it and led them or allowed them to use history and prophecy, myth and legend, poetry and prose to set forth various phases of His truth. Emigration is not compulsory nor should there be any conflict between the people of the two countries. Any one who desires to remain in the Old Country and believe that the book of Jonah is history should by all means be permitted to do so, but those who have read Isaiah closely enough to know that it could not have come from one author will find intellectual freedom in the New Country, etc., etc., etc. At the close of the service I was somewhat surprised to find Mr. White taking his stand broadly and firmly with Dr. Day. His beliefs seem to be still in the forming but tending toward the new thought along every line.
I was surprised Monday afternoon by a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Moore. The letter from Louise saying they were about to start must have come on their steamer. Have heard nothing from Mr. and Mrs.
F.S. Miller and cannot go to hunt them up.
Mr. White called on me to tell of Pyeng Yang work on Wednesday, the Missions evening, and I greatly enjoyed doing so. Afterwards he said to me, “1 can imagine something of what it meant for you to leave your home and such a work, but 1 believe the whole cause of Missions in the minds of those here will be benefitted by your coming to your parents at this time.”
1 hear that the Korean who murdered Mr. Stevens has received the sentence of 25 years imprisonment. He begged for death but the judge did not change the sentence because the jury brought in a verdict of murder in the second degree on account of his patriotic zeal having led him to the deed.
Such weather as we are having! Almost constant rain and storm for more than a week. Before that a cold snap with frost for three mornings. Everybody complained about the “terrific” cold (thermometer 30").
I asked Yum-ssi if she thought it terrible and she said “This is nice Fall weather for us from P.Y.” Now the air is mild again, thermometer 65" in our room at night without a fire but deep mud and steady rain. We three send all our love to Papa.
Your own,
Alice
(from the S.H. Moffett collection of S.A. Moffett papers)
Pyengyang, Korea Alice, My Dearest:
January 26, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
Had a fine dinner last night at Mr. Lee’s in honor of [my] birthday - given by the Koreans. Present [were] Kil [Sun-Ju] and Han [Sok-Jin] Moksa, Chung, An, Chu Changno, Koons, McMurtrie, Lee & myself
Came home to get my mail and was down with the blues because the letter I expected from you did not come. I was so sure of it coming that I was just blue for a while. Have cheered up however and am hoping for it tonight. The mail last night came via Siberia, I believe.
[A] letter from [the] Board improves our financial situation. It is as follows:
“Paragraph 14 of the Manual provides that ‘to a missionary remaining at his post while his wife returns to this country the salary of an unmarried missionary is allowed’. The wife in such circumstances receives regular home allowance at the rate of $500 a year. When, however, as in this case, the traveling expenses home are paid by the missionary, it is customary to continue the field salary to the husband and let him remit to his wife. In your case it makes no difference to us which course is taken, as your field salary is $1250.00 as a married man. Your salary on the field without your wife would be $750.00 and your wife’s home allowance $500.00. You and Mrs. Moffett therefore get a total of $1200 a year whichever course is followed, so let your Treasurer and
the Treasurer of the Board know which you prefer Returns to this country [U.S.A.] on
account of ill health of relatives are a personal charge.”
I sent you yesterday a money order for $50.00. I think the simplest way will be for me to send you from here money orders from time to time for whatever amounts you wish - until we know more clearly what our plans are to be.
That you may be sure to have enough on hand - I’ll send you another money order for $100.00 soon and then wait until I hear from you as to what you will probably want before sending you any more.
Mrs. Wells had a bad day yesterday, temperature ranging from 96 to 104. It is a very doubtful case but we continue earnestly in prayer that she may be spared. Dr. Whiting came in last night to see if he could be of any help. Mrs. Whiting is getting along beautifully. Mr. & Mrs.
Koons & baby went up to Syen Chun for the class there.
Much to my disgust I have to wear a swallow tail coat and a silk hat and attend a reception to the Emperor on February 1st. The Resident has invited Noble & Falwell & Wells & me and I cannot get out of it. A nuisance & a bore! 1 ! Lots of love to you all. Have Yum-ssi write to her mother-in-law. OOO Kisses to Jamie.
Lovingly,
Sam
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
January 28, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
Rev. Arthur J. Brown 156 Fifth Ave., New York
My Dear Dr. Brown:
I regret that I have not seen my way elear to write before this in reply to several letters received from you, but what has seemed even more urgent duties and greater responsibilities have caused me to seem to neglect your very important letters.
Mrs. Moffett’s departure, my two weeks itinerating in the country work of Fusan station, and two weeks given to a class at Chun Ju in the work of the Southern Presbyterian mission kept me away from home from the middle of November until the day after Christmas. The time was profitably spent and I added to my understanding of conditions in the South and was able to help out quite materially in the work of the two stations visited.
Arriving here the day after Christmas I went at once into the work of our Bible Institute which began that night and to our surprise brought together 1 83 men - officers of churches and Sabbath Bible School teachers who at their own expense came to spend a month in the Institute.
We had expected an attendance of 70 or 80.
After this had been under way about two weeks our regular Winter Training Class came on with 668 men in attendance giving us a total this month in Bible study of 1051 men.
Our Presbyterial Committee with most of homes of Presbytery, also met each afternoon for a week during the classes and as we had before us some large problems, time and energy was expended in meeting these responsibilities. We are face to face with great problems arising out of the relation of our schools to the Government Education Department and we have not yet reached a solution though we hope we are on the way to it. We shall report on this just as soon as we have another interview with the authorities and learn their attitude toward our plan for conserving Church control of our schools while recognizing government authority.
Now then - for your letters:
In reply to yours of September 16 in regard to Property and recent purchases, I have delayed answer to this until our present efforts to secure government official and final deeds have reached a conclusion. This effort has been under way now for three months. Our deeds are in the hands of the authorities and we hope soon to have a final settlement of them, which we have been trying to obtain for some years past. When this is completed as seems probable within a few weeks, we can send you a survey of the whole property with data.
This has been a most exasperatingly tedious process - with all the delays known to the Oriental officials, but this time we hope for final deeds with the recognition also of the Japanese Resident.
Your personal letter to me on the Fusan question dated Nov. 24 I take up in another letter - a personal one.
1/28/09 -p.2. S.A.M.
Your letter of December 1 1* informing me of my appointment as a delegate to the World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh in 1910 comes to me as such a surprise that I have not had time to take in what it may mean nor to consider what it involves in change of plans or in relation to my work here. Of course I very deeply appreciate the confidence reposed in me by the Board in making the appointment and am grateful for the sake of the work in Korea that you have given our Mission representation. I do not know what will be expected of me and while ready to do whatever 1 can 1 am very conscious of the fact that my relation to the wonderful work in Korea has caused many to credit me with far more ability than I have and 1 confess to a good deal of alarm lest you are expecting what 1 cannot supply. 1 shall confer with the station about the effect upon the work involved in my absence at that time for it is the time when furloughs of others also are due. Please let me know what will be expected of me. 1 very sincerely thank you for the very great privilege.
I have also received your letter of December - dealing with the question of my salary and Mrs. Moffett’s home allowance. 1 have communicated with the treasurer, Mr. Genso, on the subject and will draw the money here - making remittance to Mrs. Moffett.
For nearly a month we have all been deeply concerned and in much prayer because of Mrs. Wells’ very serious illness. We are still in hope and prayer but the physicians can give us little hope of recovery. If you have no cable message before this reaches you she will doubtless be on the road to recovery. Our deepest sympathy is with Dr. Wells in his sore trial.
Overwork is telling on many in the station and the grippe finds too ready entrance. Mr. McCune, Mr. Swallen, Mr. Bemheisel, Mrs. Bemheisel have all been down with it and others of us have had a struggle to keep from going to bed.
We have our problems, but in the main the work advances steadily, gaining in intensity and in extent each year.
Executive Committee is to meet in Taiku February lO* after which you will hear from us on several subjects.
I have good word from Mrs. Moffett and notwithstanding my loneliness rejoice that she is able to be with her parents at this time.
With kindest regards -
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Moffett
(from microfilm #282, Vol. 239, letter #17)
Pyengyang, Korea
January 28, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
Rev. Arthur J. Brown, D.D.
156 Fifth Avenue, New York
Dear Dr. Brown:
In replying to your letter to me dated November 24 [1908], on the Fusan question I shall also take into consideration your letter of November 17"’ to the Mission dealing with the Fusan question. You have asked for a frank letter and it is my duty to reply. I undertake this very reluctantly for I realize that to make the Board see this question as the Mission sees it is an almost impossible task and one requiring much more time and thought in writing than I like to take from other urgent and important work for I doubt if it is possible to overcome the very evident conviction of some that the Mission is not fair in its treatment of Fusan and the determination of some to stand by Fusan station and see it manned and financed regardless of what the Mission thinks of the situation.
When once the impression has been harbored that a station or a man has been unfairly treated a prejudice has arisen against the other party and no matter what is said it is not heeded. However, it seems that once again it is my duty to write you a perfectly frank letter telling you the situation as I see it and substantially as, I believe, the most of the mission see it and however the letter is received I shall have met my responsibility in the matter.
Just where to begin I know not but I do want you to believe and accept certain things:
First - that the Mission has no intention of neglecting the evangelization of the people of the province in which Fusan is located. Second - that the Mission does not refuse to recognize the value and the character of the work which has been accomplished in the province and the prospects for a much larger work. Third - that the Mission is as much, if not more concerned than the Board in seeing to it that the best and most effectual means is used to accomplish the evangelization of the province, the importance of which we recognize because of its large population.
In reply to your direct question - “Is there anything the matter with Fusan station?” I say - Yes! a great deal —
First - it is miserably located for the evangelization of Koreans. Our mission buildings are now in the midst of a Japanese city with practically no local constituency so that whenever the ministerial members of the station were not itinerating they had no touch with their work or people and their influence is in a large measure cut off. They cannot have their Training classes there and so - for years - have had them in Milyang or elsewhere in the country districts. It is no place for schools because of the greater expense and because of the surroundings and atmosphere which belong to a Japanese port and because there is practically no local constituency. The mission judgment is that it is a waste of mission money and missionary assets to add to the station at Fusan when there are other and better ways of accomplishing the evangelization of the province more effectively with less waste of missionary energy. On this question we feel that if the Board wishes to take the responsibility for what we believe to be a waste of the Chureh’s money the responsibility must rest with the Board. We will submit to the Board’s veto of our judgment and the Board’s decision but we cannot and will not approve of sueh a waste and we believe that in this case our attitude is founded upon “a knowledge of the situation”.
1/28/09 (#2) -p.2 S.A.M.
Second - the atmosphere and conditions of life and work in the station are such that no one who understands them feels that the Lord calls him to take up work there, and, one by one, those who have worked there have by force of circumstances felt impelled to ask to be removed. Notice, please, that one by one - Baird, Adams, Ross, Miss Chase, Hall and Sidebotham have left Fusan. True, some of them will say that Fusan conditions were not the cause of their leaving, but nevertheless, one of the most potent factors in making those who did not directly ask to be removed more than willing to leave, was the atmosphere of the station life. I have heard too much evidence and direct testimony that the situation is depressing to one’s spiritual life to be willing to send a man or woman to Fusan unless there is a request to go or a perfect willingness to go. Two men sent there told me personally at different times that the worst thing that had ever happened to them was being sent to Fusan.
You ask - “Is there no ordained man at the Mission willing to go to Fusan?” Why should a man be willing to be taken out of a work where his hands are full, where the Lord is evidently blessing and using him, where he is in a spiritually helpful atmosphere for himself and family, where conditions are such as make him a help in the evangelization of thousands who have not heard of Christ, in order to go into a place poorly located for work where he will be at a disadvantage, where he will be surrounded by Japanese, not Koreans, and where he has reason to believe he and his family will feel a constant spiritual depression and this, too, when against his judgment and that of the Mission it is the Board which insists upon placing men there and not where he and the Mission believe a man can accomplish far more? No one as yet feels that such a request from the Board is a call from the Lord.
I think every older member of the Mission has been asked if he wished to go to Fusan and has said - “No”, and has been asked if he were willing to go and some have said “If the Mission thinks I ought to go.” The Mission does not think so and has been unwilling to send a new man who knows nothing of conditions into a place where we are unwilling to go or do not wish to go.
The Board sent Mr. Hall there and many of us believe he would still be in Korea had he been sent elsewhere at first. I have heard or read the testimony of at least four women that they suffered spiritual and nervous agony there and all of them were relieved and happy after transfer.
The last letter received from Mr. Sidebotham written 4 days before his death from Cleveland, Ohio, has this: “The Board seems to recommend very strenuously that the non-putting of a man into Fusan in my place be reconsidered. I suppose you are giving this your full attention.
The work certainly needs two men. If anyone is anxious to go you might perhaps let him also try it and prove again to those who seem unable to learn, that the situation is impossible.”
(Mr. Sidebotham’s letter was a personal one, to which he added, “This not for indiscriminate publication.” I feel that it is right to quote it to you.)
Third - The senior member of the [Fusan] Station, Dr. Irvin, is a factor in the situation.
I have no desire to enter any complaint against Dr. Irvin and no desire to make any move requesting the Board to take any action of any kind in his case. The Mission did that once and we accepted the Board’s decision in the matter trusting that time would prove the wisdom of the Board’s decision. I write of him now only because an honestly frank reply to your letter requires an explanation of one phase of the situation which cannot be explained without reference to Dr. Irvin
and his attitude toward the Mission.
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Dr. Irvin is a law unto himself, practically not a member of the Mission with little or no regard for the Mission. I should judge that he considers himself as practically independent of the Mission with an influence which enables him to push his own plans and carry them through in one way or another irrespective of the actions or opinions of the Mission. I judge so in part from remarks which I am told he has made to new missionaries and visitors arriving in Fusan. To one of the physicians, “Pay no attention to the Mission. Go ahead and do as you please.” To another physician, “Pay no attention to the clerical men. Go ahead, get as big a hospital as you can, as soon as you can, and all the money you can raise. That’s the way I do and I pay no attention to what the Mission or the other men think.” To a minister, “You will go up to Seoul and do what the Mission says. I don’t. I do as I please.”
Now I know Dr. Irvin well enough to know that if you should quote these sayings to him he would probably very plausibly prove that he did not say that. I did not hear him say them.
However, those whom I have quoted understood him to say them and believe that he said them. A recent visitor remarked to me, “Dr. Irvin is semi-independent of the Mission, is he not? and gets the money for his work from independent sources?” The fact is that anyone in Fusan station soon leams that the station is not a station, but a part of a station and Dr. Irvin, that the station is not such a part of the Mission as are other stations but in part a semi-independent body which practically ignores the Mission and Mission rules and in the outcome is countenanced directly or indirectly in such positions by the Board.
You will doubtless say that recent letters from the Board indicate the contrary - nevertheless I am frank to say that the opinion prevails with us that in the outcome the Board has countenanced Fusan’s semi-independency, that the Mission has been helpless and that the Board is largely responsible for the situation. We have spent more time over Fusan problems than over any other one question. We do not feel that we are responsible for the problems which we have to try to settle and all our efforts to meet the situation meet with disapproval of the Board.
In our unwillingness to spoil or mar the missionary career and spiritual life of any more men or women by placing them in such a situation it seems to me that if the Board insists upon going contrary to the judgment of the Mission, it should relieve us of all responsibility in the matter and all need to spend time over it, take the responsibility itself and go ahead with such plans as it wishes. In that case I sincerely trust that a blessing will rest upon the man sent there and the province be speedily evangelized although I doubt if even such a course will free us from problems which must arise, for that work would still remain a part of the “Presbyterian Church in Korea” in which the Koreans will have to face the problems.
This year the Mission was again brought face to face with the Fusan situation. Mr. Sidebotham persistently pressed his request to be removed from Fusan and the Australians presented two protests and a request for a re-division of territory. We were up against the old problem and responsibility could not be shirked. We wrestled with it over and over again and with Mr. Smith’s help we worked out a proposition which met the approval of the whole Mission present in Annual Meeting - a proposition which looks towards a solution of our difficulties and the more rapid evangelization of the province.
1/28/09 (#2) -p.4 S.A.M.
The Board’s reply in your letter of November 17“’ is almost as depressingly unsympathetic as if written at the dictation of Drs. Avison and Underwood and Mr. Severance, who I am fully aware, do not agree with the Mission’s position. Please re-read your letter to the Mission. Your personal letter to me however would seem to indicate that you are not fiilly satisfied with the letter to the Mission and that possibly the Mission has more reason for its position than the Board is aware of. Nevertheless I cannot feel that you have met our proposition (which by our own reports is one looking towards a fuller report to the Board after next Annual Meeting), without prejudice and consistency with the previously asserted and re-asserted position of the Board regarding comity and division of territory.
You write - “Does the pressure for this new territorial division emanate from the Australian Board in Australia or from the Australian missionaries in Fusan? etc., etc., etc.” I ask - where did the proposition to divide territory with the Southern Presbyterians, with Canadian Presbyterians, with Southern Methodists, with Northern Methodists emanate? Every time from our own Mission or from theirs and yet you did not question the wisdom of it or the order of procedure but allowed time for communications in the working out of the details, but when Fusan station and the difficulties with the Australian Presbyterian Mission are involved we are held up immediately by what seems to me a quibble as to the order of procedure. 1 confess I do not fully understand this. If the move is one for the Glory of God and the more effectual evangelization of the province what difference does it make from where it emanates? The Mission and the Board should have the courage to face the proposition on its merits even though the relation to the personal interests of one man and his influential fnends constitute a factor which must be taken into consideration. That factor however should not be the determining factor.
You write - “We are not dissatisfied with our present sphere at Fusan.” The Mission is dissatisfied - for it involves more and more friction with our Australian brethren, with jealousy and a very poor distribution of mission forces.
1 present but a few facts which I should be glad to have considered. Mr. Smith at Fusan takes the railroad - goes to Taiku and beyond, then passes overland through Mr. Bruen’s [Taiku] field stopping over night in one of Mr. Bruen’s churches and then goes on to his work in some of the northwestern counties which could be worked more economically from Taiku or from Chin-ju where the Australians have a station and to which they naturally belong. There are now three clerical men in Fusan - two of them Australian Presbyterians. Our proposition would place one of them in Ma San Po, the port of Chin Ju, the Australian station and give us the village of Chyo Ryang in Fusan, thus increasing somewhat our local constituency.
Milyang is the largest city on the railroad between Fusan and Taiku, the county with largest population in the province, the next largest being Kim Hai county which adjoins it, and the third largest is Chin Ju where the Australians have a station. Half of our work is in these two counties and in Milyang we already have 24 churches, the city, larger than either Syen Chun or Chai Ryung which have proven great centers of work, being well situated for a strategic center from which to work all our territory in the province with or without further division with the Australians. It is a splendid center for Training Classes, for the already large constituency, and men located there would be in constant touch with their work and people. Only one county, that in which Fusan is, would be worked with greater difficulty from Milyang and that could be worked by one man in Fusan. What if it is only 30 miles from Fusan (it is, however, nearer 50 miles if all previous reports
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are true) - if it is a better point from which to work, why rule it out of consideration? There are ten trains a day, 5 each from Milyang to Fusan and Taiku and ten trains a day to Milyang, 5 each from Fusan and Taiku, the slowest one going in less than 5 hours from Taiku to Fusan making about VA hours from Milyang to either Fusan or Taiku so that men located in Milyang would be within but a few hours reach of physicians at Taiku and Fusan. There is also telegraphic communication.
1 have just spent about 2 weeks in Milyang city and county visiting the churches in the eastern half of the county. There is a magnificent opportunity to make Milyang a profoundly influential center for a great evangelistic work.
Milyang is “a less important place” than “such an important city as Fusan” when viewed commercially from a Japanese point of view but it is a much more important place when viewed from a mission point of view. Milyang is a Korean city, Fusan is not, but a Japanese city growing commercially as a Japanese city and port but not a strategic point from which to reach Koreans.
The Mission has not proposed to put “one missionary family in an isolated interior city” - no one has thought of making such a proposition - but the Mission has arranged for its Executive Committee to study the situation this year, ascertain the intentions and assurances of the Australian Board, assist Mr. Smith in caring for the work because of Mr. Sidebotham’s absence and at next Annual Meeting report upon a plan for caring for the work and providing re-enforcements.
When our well-considered plan fully worked out after more complete knowledge of local conditions is presented, have we not a right to ask of the Board a very careful consideration of the same? Personally I should like to see us provide for locating two families and two single women there believing that the work will require such re-enforcements. 1 had hoped that Mr. Sidebotham would be one to be located there in the midst of the churches he had established, but that is not now to be.
The whole question must again come before the Mission in the light of the Executive Committee’s report and the letter of the Board and whatever we may hear from Australia. It is the duty of the Mission to recommend to the Board what, all things considered, it thinks best for the interests of the work. We thereby rightly meet our responsibility. Then if the Board over-rules the Mission and decides to do otherwise, the Board meets its responsibility as it deems right and the Mission must accept the Board’s decision.
You asked me for a frank letter and I saw no way to evade the responsibility. I have written you frankly, possibly too frankly, and this letter may not be what you expected or wanted. I do not know. But I have written what I believe it is right 1 should write now that you request a frank letter. 1 will not say that this is a confidential letter for 1 know that such letters cannot be wholly confidential but it is a personal letter written with a confidence in you and in your judgment that whatever use is made of it I shall not be placed in the position of trying to make trouble for anyone or of unnecessarily writing what may meet with determined personal opposition from those who seem to have determined that the Mission is unfair in its treatment of Fusan. What I have written concerning Dr. Irvin has been written only because it is impossible to answer your letter fairly and leave out all reference to him and his attitude to the Mission. I have no desire to enter into any controversy with him and his influential friends and I feel no call to state to them what I have felt you did expect me to write to you. I think they would misinterpret the whole spirit of my letter.
You know full well that the writing of frank letters on delicate subjects is not a light matter and that
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the writer runs great risk of being misunderstood and of arousing bitter feelings. Could I have conscientiously done so 1 should have requested leave to make no reply to your request.
I have met my responsibility as best I know how after much prayer. If I have erred in anything or if the writing of this letter is a mistake I can only say that I have tried to do what was right. I do not think that this should be considered a letter to the Board to go on the Secretary’s file but a personal letter to be destroyed after it has served its purpose, such parts of it as may contain facts for future reference to be copied.
You also ask “Is there anything the matter with the attitude of the Mission towards Fusan?”
I do not think there is anything wrong or unfair in the Mission attitude towards Fusan. However, you can judge for yourself, I think, from this letter which I believe contains enough to enable you to judge. I think, however, that we feel that the Board is probably so committed that it will find it difficult to give much weight to the Mission actions which affect Fusan station. We realize that you have difficulties at that end of the line in dealing with complicated problems.
Regretting the necessity for writing the letter and trusting that it may be received in the spirit in which it is written and be used only in accomplishing some good.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Moffett
P.S. I believe that if the Board can see its way clear to leave Dr. Irvin and one minister in Fusan as at present and allow the Mission to care for most of its evangelistic work in that province from Milyang with a redivision of territory with the Australians, you will do that which will mean the speedy evangelization of the province, the elimination of the unfortunate friction which has made wrong feeling and also relieve the Mission of the most troublesome and long delayed problem we have ever met.
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #18)
Pyengyang, Korea
Sabbath morning January 31,1 909
Samuel A. Moffett
Girlie Dearest:
Your letters have done me oh! so much good for I was so hungry for them. They both came this last week - one early in the week and one later, coming last night.
Monday noon - February 1st
Got started only when Miss Strang came in to hear your letter and by the time we finished talking I could not go on with the letter on account of other duties.
Just now I have just returned from an Audience with His Majesty the Emperor - for the first time in my life wearing a swallow tail dress suit (Mr. Curtis’s) - also wore Mr. C’s “plug” hat and for the first time the white kid gloves I bought 10 years ago for our wedding and didn’t use. The Emperor and Prince Ito came up last Wednesday - stayed over night - went on to Eui Ju and returned here yesterday afternoon. They leave tomorrow for Seoul stopping at Song Do.
It has been a hard time for the poor Koreans - for the attempt has been made to make all the school boys carry Japanese flags as well as Korean and they have rebelled and there may be serious trouble over it and great anger at the Church on the part of the Japanese. This afternoon several of us call upon Prince Ito also. Our Koreans have been hard pressed to know what to do.
Monday afternoon
Have just returned from a very good interview with Prince Ito and I am glad we got the 4 Korean Committeemen in with us for an interview with him. Han Moksa, Elders Tyeng & Chu and a Methodist. He paid a good deal of attention to them and much of the conversation was in Korean. Good.
So many things to say that I’ll forget half of them but I must tell you of the arrival of the cablegram on the 27th - a Birthday greeting evidently, even tho slightly delayed. Many thanks for it. It did me lots of good and I was so glad to have it and to know all were well - after you had written the letter about Baby’s [Charles] sickness - which letter came night before last.
Mrs. Wells is some better and we may yet have much hope of her recovery.
About Jamie & kindergarten - do as you think best under the circumstances but emphasize the fact that you do not want his mind taxed too much with learning things now. The contact with the children will do him good and as I trust it will not be for many months, doubtless it will do him good.
I enclose another money order for $100.00 and will wait until I hear from you before sending any more. Let me know just what you must have and also just what you would like to have in addition and I’ll probably be able to make up the latter amount, but I want to know what is essential.
1/3 1/09 -p.2 S.A.M.
1 have had some difficult letters to write - one to Miss Cameron who asked for advice and one to Dr. Brown [Foreign Board secretary] who asked for a frank letter on subject of Fusan. How I did wish you were here to hear them and tell me whether they were all right.
Give lots of love to Fatherdy & Mother. Thank Jamie for his white ice cream & chocolate ice cream kisses. Here are some popcorn kisses for him OOOOO. Papa wants to hear that he is learning to play with the children nicely without mama and that he gives mama time to look after baby Charles. Will write soon again.
A heart full of love to you, my precious.
Lovingly,
Sam
Greetings to Cousin Emma when you write. I have never answered her letter to me.
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of S.A. Moffett papers)
Chai Ryung, Korea
February 1, 1909
William B. Hunt
Dear Dr. Brown
We are having one of those steady winters, open, no storms, not very warm nor very cold - just good for all sorts of missionary work. Consequently there is little time for letter writing.
[I] was in Seoul a couple weeks ago with Mrs. Hunt to see the dentist and do other errands. While there some of the Board’s letters came and among others one regarding actions taken at a conference with representatives of the Women’s Boards. On page 2 of this letter of December IS* is the action on the matter of where the greater emphasis should be placed in making requests for funds - whether for native work or new missionaries. Immediately I sat down to write a protest [apparently the action as reported favored giving priority to funding natives in the work], saying that though I did not know whether the action was in accord with the wishes of the Korea Mission or not, I knew it was not in accord with the wishes of many of the Mission and believed it was contrary to the belief of the members of my Station. Just then I stopped because I wished to get a hearing [?] for my remarks by quoting from the Fifteenth Conference of Foreign Mission Boards some remarks of Dr. Barton of the American Board [of Commissioners for Foreign Missions] which seemed to my mind both true and to the point in question. But though I looked in Seoul for a copy of the report and have searched since returning home - (one loses an awfiil lot in moving in Korea and in living in trunks and boxes for two years or more as I did), I have been unable to find it. Now I’ll have to write without my introduction.
Before writing further I wish to say that I do not deem the personal experiences I am about to relate as exceptional nor do I believe that there is anything exceptional about it. I give it because in so far as it goes, it is a proof of the opposite of said action. I wish that every young missionary in every land and every one looking toward a life on the field would get those words of Dr. Barton and from them, those words spoken extemporaneously but from the heart, on the part the native Church should have in the evangelization of the world. I think you suggested the topic in the conference held the year before. We must put the work on the native church, but hiring natives with American money is keeping the actual work in American hands. For with these children, from whence comes their bread and butter is their ruler unless of course it comes from the people whom they serve and have won to Christ.
I do not think I am very well endowed to do the work of a bishop, select men, direct them in their work - and yet it so happens that at present writing I have the work of seventeen unordained preachers, many of them working at so great a distance that at best I can see them but once in several months (sometimes 6 months). Supposing these men were to be paid by me with American money. Well, in the first place I don’t believe these same men would be the men in my employ. For the most part every one of these men is making a sacrifice to do this work. Then in the second place, paid with American money, I could have no real surety as to their faithfulness whether it be as to their use of time or what they teach the people or as to whether they were telling me the truth. Why is it that given an even start the Presbyterians have simply over run the Methodist church here in Korea? In the Pyeng Yang Western circuit when I first came to Korea the Methodist Church North was helping to buy churches and in important centers bought them outright. Moreover they had one or two helpers paid by American funds. At that time the Methodists supposedly had the stronger church. Today Mr. Swallen must have nearly 20 helpers and 10 times the Christian strength in that district that the Methodists have. Here in Whang Hai our numbers are not very large considering the length of time we have been at work and the amount of effort made, but Dr. Noble [Methodist] of Pyeng Yang spends a great deal of time in Whang Hai and has several helpers supported by American funds, some of whom live in houses bought by American money. This way of doing things draws a class of people to the Methodists and makes a
2/01/09- p.2 W.B.H.
kind of helper who is very adroit in using the missionary’s name to help people in civil cases, all of which very frequently makes it very hard for us [Presbyterians] to keep to the straight and narrow road - yet the fact remains that when I told Mr. Critchett the other day in answer to some question concerning the number of preachers 1 had to look after, he couldn’t help looking surprised and he was complaining of my action regarding the establishment of a certain group, that we Presbyterians were not willing to allow that the Methodist Church had a place in Korea! It’s a fact they can neither go into new territory as the self propagating church can nor can they hold their ground once they have gone in, and I contend that this is Biblical and reasonable - and here I quote - what from? “God helps those who help themselves.’’
I think one of the reasons why the Methodist church has not become much stronger has been because many ofher helpers are working for pay! Better no helpers. What then? Do I mean that the American Church should send out American missionaries to do all the work? No. Decidedly no. But I do believe that as a field is being opened up, more money is needed and can be used than a few years later - that as a rule all work done among the natives and for the natives apart from the missionary should be paid for by the native church, that what the church most needs is leaders and teachers, that as long as the aim is immediate evangelization - i.e. the thorough preaching Christ, teaching and establishment of the church in the whole world, and as long as the Mission or the Station is keenly alive to the danger of too many missionaries in one place and to the danger of doing all the work instead of putting it on the natives, I am sure that we should call for more missionaries rather than money for native work. It has not been proved yet. And even though it may be proved to our own satisfaction, many will deny that the rule which I have been standing for — self-support (in the above remarks for the native church), has anything to do with the native school, especially in its higher branches. But I contend that it is in this branch particularly that the mission weakens itself as an evangelistic force in foreign lands by the use if money.
By the use of American money,
1) Instead of gaining control we lose control of schools.
2) Instead of training preachers, we train business and professional men who usually take subordinate rather than leading positions.
3. Instead of furthering the school system we actually retard [it].
4. Instead of making a better manhood and womanhood than would be done if the work were supported by the natives, we make an inferior pauper sort.
I make the four above statements after much thought, and as you know, very little experience of my own. But I know what trouble schools are and have been to the Korea Mission and to many Stations of the Korea Mission. Statement No. 1 is based upon my observations in Korea only. No schools so far as I know are now under the control of the missionary [other] than those of Whang Hai, and our only control or authority is a moral one.
Statement No. 2 is based upon the testimony of many missionaries whom I have met from China and Japan besides what I know of the Pyeng Yang college and Academy.
Statement No. 3 is little better than theory based only upon my own observations in north Korea.
Statement No. 4 is also theory, only not yet having time to prove it even in a small way. However, it stands to reason that if a school is built, managed and controlled by the parents, that all of this work will be done to some definite purpose. The most important lesson for any child to learn over
2/01/09- p.3 W.B.H.
and over again is right and obedience to right. The school will represent right as a rule in proportion to the amount of sacrifice involved in its establishment. The pupil will learn the lesson truly in proportion to the demand made upon it by the parent. If the parent makes the school for the boy he will be able to do so far better than a foreigner, providing the latter is around to help. Moreover, if the parent is sending his boy to a school for whose reputation he is responsible, the actions of his boy are very much more his concern (if the missionary is around once in a while to help).
Where they have or can have all the money and means necessary, which shall receive the greater emphasis? Without any question whatever - money cannot buy what is needed most in Korea - and I
fancy other fields as well - men - men - Christian men and women who can here a little and
a little help. Men who are willing to step down and out any day, who want not to run things but
who want to see things run so much that individual likes are not worth considering. We may not like lots of things Koreans do, many of their customs are repulsive to us. But the change should come from within out, not from without and toward the center. American money brings the outward change and the desire for still more outward change but what does it do for the heart? Hearts are changed by other heart’s touches.
Please plead for more sacrifice of life, not money.
Sincerely,
William B. Hunt
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol 239, letter #22)
Taiku, Korea
February 5, 1909
James E. Adams
My Dear Dr. Brown:
I write briefly to correct a mistake of the Board in its appropriations some time in December of a gift of yen 1600 by Mr. Severance, to the Boys Academy here in Taiku.
I am not sure as to what the action refers to. I have never known of any gift of Mr. Severance to the Academy. It is probable that it is a gift of yen 1000 which he made when here, for the purchase of certain pieces of land which he considered necessary to our holdings. This sum I reported to the Mission treasurer at the time. It was made in the fall of 1907. If there is a 1600 [yen gift] outside of this I shall be delighted to know of it.
I trust that you will send a competent nurse to take Miss Cameron’s place as soon as possible.
As you know, the hospital is in foreign style, beds, etc. It is also full up most of the time. So, requires the constant unremitting labor of both doctor and nurse almost day & night. It is impossible not to let Miss Cameron go in view of the situation in this community here. It is almost equally impossible for Dr. Johnson to carry the work alone. It will probably mean a break down on his part. No competent substitute nurse can be secured here unless the station falls bodily upon Dr. Johnson and practically compels him to suspend operations. The only solution would seem to be an expeditious filling of Miss Cameron’s place. This is what we are praying for. According to Mission action under the limit set by the Board, her resignation took effect January 29*. Doctor Johnson, however, at the end, requested permission and the station granted it, that he make some sort of proposition to her privately to stay on until the end of the fiscal year in three months, and I believe that this is the present arrangement. The proposition was not a specially agreeable one to any concerned but seemed necessary in view of the great pressure of work in the hospital.
I sincerely hope that her successor may come out with no more delay than possible.
Yours in the Service,
James E. Adams
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #24)
New York City
February 10, 1909
Arthur Judson Brown
W.O. Johnson, M.D.
Taiku, Korea
My dear Dr. Johnson:
Your letter of January 6* finds me involved in a number of important questions affecting various Missions and in the preparation of reports for the General Assembly. I must snatch a minute, however, to tell you that I read it carefully on the train this morning and that I thank you heartily for writing so fully. I am delighted to know that your health is improving and I appreciate the heavy labors you are performing. I wish that I could encourage you to believe that the Board would pay the cost of a substitute nurse after Miss Cameron leaves. But a long list of Board decisions on questions from various Missions involving the same principle unfortunately forbids, and with over $800,000 to get the next three months to close the year without debt, the Board feels that special appropriations cannot be made. Moreover you know that the heavy expenses of bringing Miss Cameron home will be an extra. I see no alternative but for you to go on as best you can and, if possible, secure a Japanese or Korean nurse subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Mission and within the limits of the appropriations which the Board has made for the year.
Dr. White informs me that the only application from a nurse which he has yet received which looks at all promising is from one young lady who applies with special reference to the Hospital in Tripoli, Syria, and does not wish to go elsewhere. I have told him of the importance of getting a couple of nurses for Korea as soon as possible, and he says that he is doing the best he can. Many nurses are writing, but most of them are middle-aged women, many of them have no special education and no thought of doing, and no fitness for doing, missionary work. However, some of the papers are not yet complete and may turn out better than now appears probable.
Your problem, my dear Doctor, is a hard one, but if it is any consolation to know that others are in the same boat, you have that consolation. Hardly half a dozen of the fifty-seven hospitals under the care of the Board have foreign nurses.
I wish you would always see that the Hospital is given its proper name in reports, estimates and letters. The name is not given in the printed reports or estimates of the Mission, and I have had to hunt back through the files to get it straight. The friends of the donor in this country are apt to be sensitive if the hospital is talked about in print without the proper name being given. Do you write occasionally to the donor and keep- her informed regarding the Hospital? I trust that you do. I am asking Mrs. Wood to send her some extracts from your last letter.
I am concerned by what you write about Mrs. Sawtell’s health. I hope you will magnify the authority which Paragraph 27 of the Manual gives to medical missionaries.
Remember me cordially to Mrs. Johnson and believe me, as ever.
Affectionately yours,
A.J. Brown
(from microfilm reel #283, Vol. 242 (Part 4), letter #64)
Chai Ryung, Korea
February 11, 1909
Harry C. Whiting
My Dear Dr. Brown:
At our Station meeting yesterday 1 was appointed to write to you, so I am taking the first opportunity to do my duty. Not a hard task on my part but it must be rather heavy on you to wade through the multitude of mail which confronts you daily. We on the field can not complain on that score for our mails we never think are large enough. 1 am the cock of the roost. Mr. Hunt [is] on a trip to the east; Mr. and Mrs. Koons, Mr. Kerr and Elizabeth left this afternoon to attend a class at ANAK. Am in undisputed possession and can run the Hospital, the Church and the Academy and day schools to please myself. In such times as these anything might happen between the rising and setting of the sun. The School question is at present the most liable to cause trouble. The Japanese are determined to have control of the whole school situation and have definitely said so in terms which leave no doubt in the minds of those who heard the Minister of Education at Seoul on Tuesday. Our Mission has the longest headed man in the Orient watching things. Dr. Moffett at the conference at Seoul made another hit.
The Korean leaders were on the point of directly defying the Japanese but were won over by Dr. Moffett in such a way that in the future they will more willingly take his advice.
We have had a very good local class just closed on Monday. Some 300 in attendance. Had the pleasure of teaching the two upper classes in personal work. We think our Academy is doing pretty well. [There were] 56 students this term on the opening day. Practically all the teaching is done by Koreans and we have no anxiety about the finances. More on this order would be better for Korea. One conviction my trip to China last summer has strengthened and that is the danger of pauperizing the Church by too much aid. 1 know 1 am not making a misstatement when I say that the greatest obstacle to the advance of the Gospel which has been imported into China and Korea is the injudicious use of money. Building churches, paying for a lot of men and women to go and do what the native Church ought to do, and in the doing of which they become strong.
In Korea there are two churches working side by side and yet with the same Gospel and the missionaries urged on by the same zeal, [yet] the product is as different as can well be imagined. Why? One Church believes in self-support and the other uses money freely. All that poor Korea asks for is more men. Church leaders must of necessity come from America for some time yet. Pastor Suh of Sorai, one of the seven who were ordained two years ago, and the oldest and in many ways the most reliable, told Mr. Koons that he was not equal to the work. Pastor Yang of Syen Chyun was sent up to Kang Kai and for three months faced the problems up there and on his return to Syen Chyun gave the same report. This people can give American Christians pointers on faith and giving and love for Bible study but they are only children when it comes to church government and the deciding of any far- reaching question. So we must help them at this point.
The health of the Station keeps good. Just now small pox is raging. [I] vaccinated 40 boys from the Academy this afternoon and tomorrow vaccinate the lower schools.
With sincerest regards,
Harry C. Whiting
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #26)
Los Angeles, California
February 1 1, 1909
Lyman Stewart
Rev. H.G. Underwood Hotel Hayward, City
Dear Sir:
According to our conversation of yesterday morning, I will undertake to provide annually $1,000 each for the support of six missionaries in Korea for five years, and for the construction of three houses, at a cost of $3,000 each the money to be paid as required. As stated, the only condition which I would stipulate is that the missionaries thus provided for must believe in the complete inspiration and absolute inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures, the Deity of Jesus Christ, His full and complete atonement by vicarious death for the sins of mankind, and His pre-millennial return as the “blessed hope” of the church.
On behalf of my brother, Milton Stewart, whose address from May T' to December T* will be Titusville, Pennsylvania, and from December T‘ to May care of Union Oil Company, Los Angeles, Cal., I will duplicate the above pledge. These payments for Milton Stewart will be made by me.
Assuming that you desire to translate and publish in Korean the works of C.I. Scofield, - “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth” and “Lectures on Prophecy”, and also the work of Dr. Haldman entitled “The Second Coming of Christ, - Pre-millennial and Imminent”, and that the authors thereof give their consent, I will be glad to pay for the translation, composition, and making plates for these books.
God has so manifestly put the seal of His approval upon the work in Korea that we esteem it a great privilege to have some little part in furthering it, and we thank the Lord for the work which the missionaries have been enabled to do in that land, and for allowing you, in His providence, to come and tell the people in the homeland about it. Our earnest prayer will be that the Lord will go with you on your return to that land, and that His blessing may be upon the work in much more abundant measure in the future than in the past.
Yours very sincerely Lyman Stewart
P.S. Kindly advise me about when the money will be required for the houses, and when the payments for the missionaries should begin.
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, attached to H.G. Underwood letter to A.J. Brown, 2/15/09 let #32)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
February 12, 1909
Graham Lee
Dear Dr. Brown
Your letter in regard to our school for our children came to hand yesterday. That we are disappointed goes without saying: that we do not propose giving up the pressing of the question goes without saying also. We can realize the force of your remark that if you give to us, then each mission field would ask for the same and thus the Board would have a financial burden unable to bear. That all may be very true but that does not reach the heart of the matter which is simply this, that the Board and Church, to a large extent, have shirked facing the question of the education of missionary children. This whole question ought to be taken up at home and faced and solved in a statesman-like manner by both Board and Church. The China Inland Mission faced it and they are working out a fine solution in their Chefoo school. They realized the importance of the question and went at it to work out a practical solution. Our Board and Church are away behind the times. They practically say to the missionary: We give you our hundred dollars allowance, now take that, do your fiill amount of missionary labor, and educate your child besides.
The Church places a burden on missionary mothers that they ought not to bear and until the books are opened at last, no man will ever know how many missionary mothers have gone down under the burden, on account of the short-sighted policy of the Church. What I complain of is that the Board and Church are not alive to the question. The question is not being thought of and thought out as it should be. The missionaries have to work out plans and then press and press to get any favorable action from the Board, whereas it should be the other way; and the church should work out some efficient and practical place for the education of missionary children. Our hundred dollars allowance is not solving the problem.
In turning down our request for permission to present our plan to our fnends the Board has refused permission on the ground that perhaps the presentation of our cause would injure the subscriptions to the Propaganda. No one can say for certain that such would be the case and it might be argued that the presentation of our plan would increase interest. My own conviction is that it wouldn’t injure the Propaganda one whit. Therefore, on the ground of a perhaps — and a big perhaps at that — you have turned down our scheme, which on the scale of importance is as important as the Propaganda. All we are asking for is ten thousand dollars, for the Methodists are in this and they expect to get half from their side. Suppose it did injure the Propaganda. At the most it couldn’t injure it more than ten thousand dollars and the chances are that if it did injure it at all it would be only a fraction of that amount. It amounts to this, that on the bard supposition that our plan would injure the Propaganda to the amount of a fraction of ten thousand dollars, the plan must be turned down. This of itself is proof enough that the question of the education of missionary children can command little interest at the Board rooms.
My contention holds good. The Church is not alive to the question. The Board’s action has made it impossible to receive Mr. Gamble’s subscription for his offer was made on the condition of the Board’s approval. Your letter indicates that you personally are much in sympathy with our plan. In which case is there not some way in which you can help us get Mr. Gamble’s subscription? Unless something is done from your end we lose that. I have friends that I feel sure I could get interested in our school, and I know absolutely that if they did give, it wouldn’t make one cent’s difference with the Propaganda, but on the other hand would be increasing their missionary interest and make them greater givers to the Board in the future. It stands to reason that anyone who would put money into a school out here could not do so without increasing their missionary interest, and every bit of increased missionary
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interest is so much gain to the Board.
What we would like to do would be to print a little prospectus to circulate among our friends. We never had the idea of making a campaign through the whole church. Other stations are looking to Pyeng Yang to furnish educational facilities for their children, and the pressure is growing stronger every year. Last week Mrs. Collyer of the Southern Methodist Mission died here in Pyeng Yang. She came up here to place her son, thirteen years old, in our school, and has been here since last fall. Mrs. Lee and 1 have taken the boy into our home to help Mr. Collyer and keep the boy in school. It is an added burden but one we are very willing to bear under the circumstances. If our school had a dormitory there would be no necessity of us or any other family bearing this burden.
This subject of our school may weary you at times but I give you fair warning that we don’t propose to let up until the Board sees and does its duty to the missionary along the line of the education of his children.
We are all quite well, but Mrs. Lee is somewhat tired with the care of the Wells baby which we have had with us for some weeks now. Mrs. Wells seems to be gaining, but it is slowly so slowly.
Sincerely yours,
Graham Lee
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #29)
Seoul, Korea
February 14, 1909 Samuel A. Moffett
(To Mrs. Samuel A. Moffett, 614 5th Avenue, San Rafael, California)
My own Dearest:
Valentine’s Day and here is a loving message to my valentine - the dearest most precious girlie I ever imagined it possible to possess. Wouldn’t I like to possess you just now for a little while or for a good long while. Days and months are passing - full as they can be of work but oh! so lacking in what has come to be the biggest part of life. Yes, I am glad you are with the loved ones there and satisfied that it is right and best but that does not make me long for you any the less nor miss you and the little ones any the less. I do not as yet know Just how to plan - but I hope that the Lord will make clear to us just what is best and that our separation may not be a prolonged one.
Since I wrote you from Pyeng Yang just before leaving I have indeed had a busy time of it.
On the train coming down, there were Whittemore, Koons, Mr. Curtis & Mrs. Baird & myself and we had a good time of it.
In Seoul I was with the Gales very comfortably settled in their new house which is very nicely arranged. Annie & Jessie are bright, interesting girls and they all seem very happy. We had a strenuous three days of work over the Educational question with two long interviews with the Educational Department officials. There were four Koreans who came with us: Han Moksa, Chung Changno and two from Syen Chun district. I was glad to have them meet the officials and hear for themselves what the government requires and be able to ask for themselves such questions as they wished. It is an education to them, also, to thus be thrown into contact with government officials and to gain a knowledge of how to meet and deal with men of the world. It was hard work for me and I was pretty well tired out by Tuesday night when Whittemore & I took the night train for Taiku for Executive Committee meeting. Going first class we had a good place to sleep and I had a good 7-hour sleep - reaching Taiku at 6 o’clock in the morning and beginning Executive Committee meeting at 10 a.m. We were at it steadily from that time on until 1 1 o’clock each night and until noon Friday when we left, taking the 1 :24 train and reaching here [Seoul] again Friday night.
I stayed (at night & for breakfast) at the McFarland’s - Mr. McFarland away holding a class - and Misses Mills & Essick with Mrs. McFarland. We had a fine meeting of the Committee - discussing about 60 topics and adopting 41 recommendations. Those most interesting are probably — cabling the Board “Yes” for Mrs. Logan - a lady 52 years old from Danville, Kentucky - who wishes to come out at her own expense and work with the Mission - evidently a very cultured, devoted woman. She is to be at Taiku first - then as she wishes - decide for herself whether to go to Seoul for the Hospital or for the Girls School. She may be coming out soon. I wish you might meet her as she comes through San Francisco. Miss Rittgers transferred to Seoul - while Miss Mills & Miss Essick are appointed to Taiku. Mr. Severance had selected Miss Rittgers for Seoul. Dr. Dunlop assigned to Won Ju, Mr. Winn assigned to South Kyeng Sang province to be loeated in Taiku temporarily pending negotiations with the Board concerning work in that provinee. We want to open Milyang putting two men in there if Board will give up its demand for men in Fusan. Next Exeeutive Council meeting in Pyeng Yang between June 15 & 25 - probably on a house boat if I can get things so arranged as to take the whole crowd up the river then.
I rather think that if you are not to come home by next fall sometime - 1 will stay here until after Mission meeting & Presbytery and then join you at San Rafael - rather than leave here in the summer, but I most earnestly hope the way may be clear for you to return without my going home this
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year.
Blair [Mr. Will Blair] and 1 were appointed a committee to concert [i.e. design or plan] measures for the care of the Korean Christians outside Korea.
While in Taiku 1 was made happy by the arrival of your letter of January 7-8 telling of receipt of my Chun Ju letter which it seems to me 1 wrote nearly a year ago.
1 think it perfectly natural, dearest, that Father should worry somewhat over finances for he has always had such an abundance of money as enabled him to do anything he wanted without much necessity for watching the income and now if he finds the supply somewhat short, he naturally finds it difficult to adjust himself to that situation. Have a frank - plain heart to heart talk with him on the whole subject of the changed circumstances. With his $200 a month and the rent ($155 a month) you are finding it possible to meet even the very heavy extra expenses connected with Mother’s sickness and if you can just help Father to see that as soon as Mother is better and that heavy expense stops there will be enough for outside uses - 1 do not think you will find it difficult to lead him to see that temporarily the other things must wait a while.
There is no special reason, is there, why, if needed, you should not use the interest on Mother’s bonds for her needs - although I should think it unwise to use up any of the principal except under real necessity for some emergency.
Mother, of course, is right as to the monthly income being sufficient if carefully used but of course Father wants his usual freedom in using it. Don’t worry at all - but do just what you are doing - tactfully work out a little greater care without cutting off Father’s pleasure in doing for others.
Doubtless the Ward house incident will involve the loss of some money - but probably not a very great deal and if the rent on the house is now regularly collected it should bring in a little more each month and pay a fair rate of interest. Prompt collection of all rents due will help you out more than anything else. See that Fatherdy’s Life Insurance Premiums are paid regularly.
What you write of Dr. Burke makes me repeat what I said to you once before - that I have never been able to feel the same implicit confidence in him and his ability which you and Mother have always had - and yet of course you know him and I do not. I seldom if ever have a real trust of a man who is not a Christian. I think you are right in thinking there has been carelessness in treatment and yet it may not be best for Mother to think so - for one great element in her recovery will be confidence and hope.
Am so glad to hear again that Jamie and baby are well. How I wish I might be with you and them to watch & enjoy their development. Your news of them is always such a blessing to me. Am not sorry Jamie is getting a taste of the kindergarten but do not let it tax his mind any. He wants to grow well physically without too much mental exertion.
I do not like Dr. Day’s presentation of inspiration although he may hold that view and still retain his own faith in Christ and a consecrated life. I fear those who accept his teaching along that line will not obtain or retain the same clear faith and consecrated life. The danger in such views is not to the men who now take them up after their own spiritual life has grown from the acceptance of the old time views - but the danger is to the new generation whose spiritual life will be [the] result of a
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growth from these new views and which will lack the strength & vitality which comes only from an acceptance of God’s word as His word. I have little patience with the talk about “intellectual freedom” etc., etc. There is no greater real freedom than that which subjects itself to the Word of God - all other is license and unwarranted liberty in the rejection of God’s authority. It is the assertion of man’s will in opposition to the will of God, and is a rejection of the very laws which God ordained for the welfare of man.
After arrival here from Pyeng Yang last week - a telegram announced the death of Mrs. Collyer after a few days illness from pneumonia. It came very suddenly but she had been a semi- invalid for 15 or 20 years. Charlie [her young son], I understand, is to be with the Lee’s. Word from Mrs. Wells is that she is slowly improving but not yet out of danger. We still continue earnestly to pray that she may be spared, though it is probable she will be weak and a semi-invalid for years.
I enclose a letter from Bible Institute Chicago which Mrs. Curtis forwarded to me. It is evidently for you.
I expect to return to Pyeng Yang tomorrow but it makes so little difference now whether I get back sooner or later so I go jogging along here & there not at all impatient about getting back home.
A request from Dr. Brown [Dr. A.J. Brown, of the Board of Foreign Missions in New York] for a frank letter on the Fusan question necessitated a long 12-page letter to him on that subject. I wrote a frank one this time which he may not like but he put the responsibility upon me. I wrote also to Mrs. McCormick for $4000 for the Seminary. Make both letters a subject of prayer, please, that both may do good and bring good.
Now I want to find someone from whom I can get $1000 for Class building in Milyang.
Think I shall write to Mr. Crowell. Remember me to all San Rafael friends - especially the Carrs, the Landons and Mr. Stevenson.
Lots of love to Fatherdy whom I wish I could see, and to Mother. I do hope she may get relief soon and be able to be at home with you all.
Tell Jamie Grandma Moffett wrote to me about him - that Papa wants very much to see him and is very happy when Mama writes that he is a good boy. His birthday will be past when this reaches you. Papa wishes he could be with his big boy on his 4th birthday. Kisses to the Baby and a whole heart of love to your own dear self.
Lovingly, your Husband,
Sam
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
San Francisco, California
February 15, 1909
H.G. Underwood
Mr. Arthur J. Brown, D.D.
Board of Foreign Missions 156 5‘*' Avenue, New York City
My dear Dr. Brown:
I am sending you herewith copy of an official notification that I have just made to Mr. Day [Board treasurer] of the generous gift that the Propaganda has received from Mr. Stewart of Los Angeles. Please note this speeially that it is to be kept confidential both as to name and to place from which it comes for some little while. Mr. Stewart and his brother were very much afraid that if the news got out there would be people in the neighborhood of Los Angeles who would be less generous because of what they heard he was doing.
I know that you will rejoice much in this added assurance of God’s Blessing on the work that we are doing in this Propaganda. The main thing now is to find the men and I am at the present day writing to Dr. White in this regard.
With kindest regards and looking forward with much pleasure in two weeks to being in Portland among your own people, I remain
Yours most sincerely,
H.G. Underwood
(from mierofilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #32)
San Francisco, California
February 15, 1909
H.G. Underwood
Dwight H. Day
Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions 156 5* Avenue, New York City, N.Y.
My dear Mr. Day:
I write to confirm the good news I sent you in a previous letter and that everything may be in order, I send you herewith a certified copy of letter that I received in regard to the matter duly signed by Mr. Lyman Stewart, president of the Union Oil Co. In regard to the time for payments he stated that he wanted sufficient time for these, and is ready to pay the salaries of the missionaries, I think quarterly, just as soon as the men are appointed. In regard to the houses he asked me definitely how long he could have on this and I told him I would notify him at a later date when this was needed. Now I want to call your attention specifically to the fact that this is a confidential gift and that Mr. Stewart desires that his name and the city of Los Angeles be not mentioned in connection with it at the present time. You will notice that he has made certain conditions as to the kind of men and their beliefs that are to go out:
This is the largest gift that we have yet received for the Propaganda and it totals up as you see to a good large sum:
6 houses at $3000.00 each, being $18,000.00 12 missionaries at $1000 each for 5 years, being $60,000
We feel that God has wonderfully blest [blessed] us in thus providing this means for advanced work.
Most sincerely,
H.G. Underwood
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol 239, included with H.G. Underwood letter #32)
San Rafael, California
January or February (?), 1909 (?)
Alice F. Moffett
Dear Little Mother,
Jamie and Baby are both better than they were. The only result with Jamie was the passing of one more worm 8-9 inches long. Probably he will need another course later on but I shall let him rest awhile. We have had good times together. He is a different boy when I can give time to him - quiet and obedient.
Baby [Charles] has not been sick at all, only restless and wakeful. Night before last he woke at 10:30 & played till after 12! I sat up with him in the dining room. He did not cry at all but was on wires every minute. The gum was swollen & shiny. He would grab at my finger in his desire to bite and then find the gum was so sore he could not. Last night he slept more but was restless - so I was up 12 times. The point of the tooth is through now and he will be better. Mrs. Joseph wants a new wash boiler, a water pail, a rolling pin and some canvas to make a tent for the children. I took the boiler &. had it mended (she could have done that) and gave her a pail from here. I felt sure there was a rolling pin left there - do you know? Do you know of any canvas on the place they could have? She said Mr. J. saw some when he was over once and they thought they might have it to use.
The letter of Mr. Smith’s which you sent I took to missionary meeting Wed. and it was read. Remember, dear, it was a personal report to the N.Y. Board - not a letter to a Society. Every missionary is required to send just such a report to account for his time and necessarily it is full of “Fs”. I, too, have to write such a report each year but I sincerely hope they are not sent out.
I do hope your sciatica will stop soon. That is such a hard pain to bear. It is still windy and colder here this morning. Am glad Father is away from it.
Have not succeeded in finding a room for Cousin Emma. No one wants to rent for a week - It might shut out some one for the summer. Think I shall give her your room and if Father returns while she is here ask him to take the sitting room again for a while. Is there any objection to this?
Must close now in haste. A heart full of love to you both.
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyengyang, Korea
February 24, 1909
S.A. Moffett
Rev. A.J. Brown, D.D.
156 Fifth Avenue, New York
Dear Dr. Brown:
I want to write a few words concerning the recent meeting of our Executive Committee at Taiku, the recommendations of which have been adopted by the Mission and doubtless will be in your hands before this reaches you.
Concerning Chung Ju and the “holding up” of all building operations - it is unfortunate that we know definitely that the Board has removed its restrictions. The Mission has over and over again stated its intention to maintain the station at Cheng Ju and while the Methodists wish us to withdraw, their request is totally without warrant for we are already established with a growing work and they are only looking forward to raising the men to occupy the field in the future.
Concerning Fusan Girls’ School appropriation - Your recent letter on the subject was not before us but we see no other way to deal with the subject than to ask the Board to assume the responsibility for the appropriation, because otherwise we put ourselves in a wrong position before the Board - and before Dr. Irvin and simply give room to repetition after repetition of the same unpleasant situation. We told Dr. Irvin of our action and in the conversation it appeared that he has now gone beyond the ¥ 6,000 and has spent ¥ 7,139 on the plant. Unless we refuse to take the responsibility he can go ahead with anything he wishes with any amount of money he can raise and the Board can say we approved of it. From what Mr. Smith says, I judge we shall soon face a similar situation in regard to the Leper Hospital which Dr. Irvin is putting up and planning for without reference to the other members of the Mission’s Committee.
In this connection I want to say that no one has any desire to offend Mr. Severance or to intimate that his gifts are unwelcome but I do think he should see that the trouble comes not from his gifts but from the fact that he makes them not in accord with Mission request but in accord with the wishes of a single individual without inquiry as to whether approved by the Mission. Then he is surprised that his gift has caused dissension. We do not wish to alienate him but we cannot surrender to anyone our responsibility for decision as to what work we approve or do not approve.
Concerning No’s 17 and 35 [referring to Exec. Com. Minutes], may I remark that we are eager to care for the work in South Kyeng Sang province but we do not want to locate more men at Fusan unless we have to do so at Board’s demand. 1 want to urge most earnestly the granting of the money for Rest House and class building at Milyang - whether men are to be located there or not.
If we do not properly care for this work we run the risk of having the Methodists open up work in the province and not only reap the results of our 1 8 years of work but make immense trouble for us in all our work.
I have a letter from the Australian Board welcoming our communication and indicating their desire and intention to meet the conditions. They held a conference this month and their recommendations must be confirmed by the [Australian] General Assembly in May. Rev. T.H.L. Paton writes: “I shall let you know the moment finality is reached. Meanwhile I report progress and let you know that there is every prospect of your proposals being agreed to.” Again I express my
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earnest hope that the Board will help us to this most desirable provision for the care of the work in that province and the harmonious adjustment of our difficulties with the Australian Mission.
Concerning No. 29. The Chai Ryung Station has now no use for the temporary quarters used in opening the station but the Korean Church will buy it for use as an Academy. The money spent on it has been well spent in making the house habitable during the opening of the station but has added nothing or little to the permanent value of the property for any other purposes. We endorse the wish of the station to dispose of it for a sum sufficient to reimburse the members of the station for what they individually expended in making it possible to use the house at an urgent and important time in the work of the station when they could not wait for Board appropriation.
Concerning Fusan- - 1 do not advocate complete withdrawal from Fusan - but should prefer to see us retain Hospital and Girls’ School there (now that they are established) and one minister. We can readily dispose of Mr. Sidebotham’s house without loss or retain it for a missionary to work among the Japanese who will soon be in the province in very large numbers.
With kindest regards.
Yours very sincerely,
Samuel A. Moffett
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #36)
Seoul, Korea
February 25, 1909
(Translation)
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, OF SAI MOON AN OF SEOUL, KOREA SEND A FEW WORDS OF GREETING TO THE BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS IN NEW YORK CITY, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
We hope that you, our brothers and sisters in Christ, are in peace and amidst the blessings of the Father.
We ourselves are in the midst of hardest trials and greatest difficulties, but through the infinite grace of the Father are able to bear them, and the Church seems to grow day by day.
Ever since the Reverend Dr. H.G. Underwood, who had charge of our congregation, returned to America, all our brothers and sisters have been earnestly praying that his health would be restored and longing for his and Mrs., Underwood’s speedy return here. As to the present condition of our Church, the work is great and workers are few that our congregation desire Dr. Underwood’s return day after day.
We trust that your Board, who with the great object of love before you can see with an equal eye things nigh and distant, will therefore allow Dr. Underwood to return soon.
The Year of our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine, twenty-fifth day of February.
On behalf of Sai Moon An Church,
(signed) Song Soon Myung, Elder,
Yi Seung Won, Deacon Yi Nak Sun, Deacon Ryum Choon Ho, Deacon Kimm Kuisic, Deacon
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #38)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
February 26, 1909
George S. McCune
Rev. A.J. Brown, D.D.
156 Fifth Avenue, New York City
My dear Doctor Brown
I shall give you below the actions of the Executive Committee and the comments and votes of the members of the Mission on the same. The Executive Committee met in Taiku February 19 - 12, 1909, all the members being present. Following are the actions on which they passed:
1. That we answer the Board’s letter concerning Mrs. Logan by cabling, “Logan Yes”. (No Mission action required.)
2. We recommend that Mission approval for the use of ¥ 400 sent as an extra special appropriation for Hospital work at Pyeng Yang be granted. (Passed by the Mission without comment.)
3. We request Dr. Chapman to attend a conference on spiritual matters to be held in Seoul Sept. 5-12, 1909; also, [that he attend] the meeting of Presbytery and Annual Mission Meeting held just before that at Pyeng Yang; also ask him what time subsequent to that date he can give in this country in order that his visit may be made most profitable at other Stations, also. The letter to be written by the Chairman of the Committee. (No action required by the Mission.)
4. We recommend that Mr. McFarland be appointed to edit the Aimual Report of the Mission, and that a historical sketch be prefixed, noting the twenty-fifth anniversary of mission work in this country. (Passed by the mission without comment.) [A hand-written entry reads “Taiku Station opposed this.]
5. We recommend that the statistical year be made to close on May 3E‘ instead of June 30*. (But one negative vote. No comment.)
6. The Secretary is asked to write Mr. Kagin telling him that the Executive Committee does not approve of his returning to the United States this year, if no other purpose is involved than that of receiving citizenship. If other reasons are involved we would desire information. (Passed without comment.)
7. We would call the attention of the Board to the action of the Executive Committee and the consequent action of the Mission on June 25, 1908, taken ad interim, and recorded in the Minutes, 1908, p.9, requesting permission to go ahead and build at Chung Ju.
We would also call attention of the Board to the action of the Mission at its Annual Meeting (Minutes 1908, p.29), on the same subject and requesting a cabled reply.
We would also call attention of the Board to the fact that as yet no reply has been received.
In view of the fact that since its original action the Board has subsequently appropriated for houses and other items at Chong Ju we would inform the Treasurer and his advisory Committee that in the judgment of the Committee they are warranted in going ahead with these operations. (No comments made and no negative votes.)
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8. The Committee in charge of the Publication Fund is authorized to publish any manuscript which may have been passed as worthy of publication by two senior missionaries. (One negative vote and no comment.)
9. We would call the attention of the Board to the previous action of the Mission concerning the work of the American Bible Society in Korea and send to them with our endorsement, the letter of Seoul Station on the subject and request the Board to represent to the American Bible Society the inadvisability of continuing competition of two societies in a small country like Korea, where one Society is amply able and willing to provide for the whole work. (Passed. One negative vote.)
10. No action reported to the Secretary.
1 1 . We recommend that one session of our coming Annual Meeting shall be made commemorative of the 25* anniversary of the founding of missions in Korea, and that the Committee on Arrangements be instructed to arrange for a suitable program. (Passed without comment.)
12. We recommend that Mr. Clark be appointed, in advance, as statistician for the coming year with the special view of preparing statistics covering the 25 years of our Mission work. (Passed without comment.)
13. We recommend that the transfer of Miss Rittgers from Taiku to Seoul, though irregularly effected, be endorsed, and that Miss Mills and Miss Essick be appointed to Taiku. (Passed with but one negative vote.)
14. We recommend that Mrs. Logan first take up work in Taiku, but suggest that there are also two posts in Seoul offering positions of usefulness; the ultimate decision as to her location to be left until after her arrival. (Passed without comment.)
15. As relating to the $750 sent by the Board to the Taiku city church, we would report that the money is not now needed for the city church building, and that as to the disposition of the money, Mr. Erdman will communicate with the Board. (Passed with but one negative vote.)
16. Relating to the cabled appropriation of the Board of $500 for the Girls School at Fusan made subject to the approval of the Mission, we recommend that the Mission refer the Board to the action of the Mission (Minutes 1908, page 68) and to the Board action of November 16* as recorded in the Board letter of November 17, page 8, and ask the Board that it take the responsibility for whatever action it sees fit in the matter. (Passed with 5 negative votes and a strong protest from Dr. Irvin against the action as “illegal and out of order”.)
17. We recommend that the requests for rest house and class building for Mil Yang be reaffirmed irrespective of what may be the final action of the Board with regard to division of territory and reinforcements for the province, and that Mr. Smith be instructed to write to the Board on the subject. (Passed without comment.)
18. Taiku station is asked to give at least three week’s more assistance in Fusan territory.
(Passed without comment.)
19. Mr. Whittemore is asked to give two weeks assistance in Fusan territory. (Passed without
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comment.)
20. Mr. Lee is requested to give two weeks assistance to Fusan Station. (Passed without comment.)
21. In apportionment of balances from the Mission we recommend that ¥ 75 be set aside and committed to Fusan Station for payment of traveling expenses of outside members of the Mission assisting in the Station’s work. (Passed without comment.)
22. In view of the increased use of opium and [the] morphine needle among Koreans, a committee of three, consisting of A.M. Sharrocks, M.D., Chairman, H.C. Whiting, M.D., and Walter C. Erdman, is appointed to gather data concerning the unlawful sale of such drugs, with the object of presenting such data, if deemed advisable, to the proper government authorities and members of the Anti-Opium Conference recently gathered at Shanghai. (Passed without comment.)
23. We recommend that Dr. Dunlop be assigned to Wunju, and that Dr. Fletcher’s assignment be deferred until the summer meeting of the Executive Committee. (Passed without comment.)
24. The report of the Auditing Committee of Syen Chyun Station on Ross house, Kearns house, and the Hospital was received and ordered to be transmitted to the Finance Committee. (Passed without comment.)
25. Dr. Moffett is appointed a committee to see Mr. E.H. Miller, and if possible, investigate and elucidate the matter of his Mission financial accounts. (Passed without comment.)
26. Whereas the Mission (Minutes p.9) ordered the Finance Committee to get audits of all buildings completed within two years, and it is evident that their report on page 55 is very incomplete, we recommend that the Mission instruct the Finance Committee to secure a complete report and present the same at the next Annual Meeting. (Passed without comment.)
27. We recommend that No. 17 on the Property Requests Docket shall read: “House for Single Ladies at Taiku”, instead of “House for Mr. Toms”. Appropriation already granted. (Passed with two votes in the negative.)
28. Whereas, in Nos. 23 and 24 of the Property Requests Docket, Wun Ju was inserted by clerical error, they having been left blank, we recommend that we now insert in No. 23 “House for Chai Ryung”, and in 24, “House for Mr. Toms”, not to be built before Annual Meeting”. (Passed with five votes in the negative.)
29. We recommend that, subject to Board approval, permission be granted to Chai Ryeng Station to sell the Korean house used for temporary quarters in opening the Station, the proceeds of the sale to be first used in meeting the cost for altering the home for occupation, which sum is No. 18 (Yen 477) of the Mission’s requests for appropriations, and which has heretofore been carried by members of the Station. (Passed without comment.)
30. We recommend that the Stations discuss, preparatory to Annual Meeting, the following subjects:-
(1) The paying of traveling expenses of voting members to the meeting of Presbytery.
2/26/09 - p.4 G.S.McC.
(2) The paying of expenses of wives and children to Annual Meeting. (Passed without
comment.)
3 1 . We recommend that Mr. Koons’ supply at Chong Ju be changed from one month to two weeks. (Passed without comment.)
32. We recommend that the entire amount of ¥ 600 appropriated by the Board for fencing Station site at Chong Ju be used, since it is not evident that the entire amount will be necessary for the purpose.
33. No action taken on this. It was omitted from the report.
34. We recommend that the committee now known as the Treasurer’s Advisory Committee shall hereafter be called the Finance Committee, as per instructions from the Board in letter of Dec. 9. 1908, and that the committee hitherto known as the Finance Committee shall be known as the General Fiscal Committee. (Passed with but one negative vote.)
35. We recommend that Mr. Winn be assigned to South Kyeng Sang province, to be located in Taiku temporarily, pending negotiations by the Mission with the Board concerning work in that province. (This was not voted on by Syen Chyun Station at all, the whole Station being opposed to it, but not being willing to record their votes. There were three negative votes. It passed.)
36. The Chairman is requested to see Mr. Gale in Seoul and seek to have the Committee on Spiritual Conference postpone the conference at least until Sept. 9“*. The date of the conference was set to open Sept. 9* before this request reached the Committee. (Passed.)
37. We would report to the Mission that the Rest House at An Tong [Andong] has been bought, and that Taiku has appointed Mr. Sawtell to have ultimate charge of the work in that district, and that the work is being pushed. (Passed without comment.)
38. We recommend to the Mission that we reply to the Board’s letter of June 15, 1908, relative to the Sunday School Association Work as follows: We consider that the best way to approach the need is that which the Board was pursuing in connection with Mr. Sidebotham, vis.:
That a regular member of our Mission force, while on furlough, should be put in touch with the S.S. Ass’n., and thoroughly acquaint himself with its methods and ends; and give such a portion of his time on the field to this work as would seem desirable. (Passed without comment.)
39. The Chairman is authorized to arrange for the next Executive Committee meeting between June 15-25 at Pyeng Yang or Syen Chyun. (Passed.)
40. We recommend that in case of appeal for help by teaching staff of Theological Seminary to meet an emergency the Stations to whom appeal is made, give special consideration to the same. (Passed.)
41. We recommend that Dr. Moffett and Mr. W.N. Blair be appointed a committee to concert measures for the care of Korean Christians outside of Korea. (Passed.)
Following is the record of votes cast in each Station:
2/26/09 - p. 5 G.S.McC.
|
Seoul |
Nine voting members in Station - seven votes cast. |
||
|
Pyongyang |
Nine “ |
(( yy |
- nine “ ” |
|
Syen Chyun |
Six |
yy u yy |
- six “ ” |
|
Chai Ryung |
Three “ |
yy u yy |
- three “ ” |
|
Taiku |
Six “ |
yy a yy |
- six “ ” |
|
Fusan |
Two “ |
yy u yy |
- two “ ” |
|
Chong Ju |
One “ |
yy u yy |
- one “ ” |
|
Total - — |
39 voting members in Mission |
thirty-four votes C£ |
(H.E. Blair, Miss Shields and Miss Wambold were absent.)
1. Sections requiring Mission action: Nos. 2, 4, 5, 8, 11-14, 17, 21-23, 26-29, 31, 34, 35, 38, 41.
2. Unanimous: Nos. 4, II, 14, 17, 21-23, 26-29, 31, 32, 38, and 41.
3. One negative vote: Nos. 5, 8, 9, 34.
4. Two negative votes: Nos. 12 and 35. Syen Chyun Station did not vote on the latter and three other members of the Mission did not register their votes.
5. Taiku Station voted against No. 2 on the ground that they had already given Mr. McFarland permission to go to Japan for the summer. No other negative votes.
6. No. 13, one negative. Taiku voted five negatives to the last clause of the action, voting affirmatively for the first part.
7. Five negative votes on No. 16, two not voting.
While the Executive Committee was in session a circular letter began the rounds of the Stations. It was from Fusan Station and was a request for the privilege of using the $500 sent for the Girls’ School at Fusan. The Executive Committee, being in session at the time, most of the members of the Mission did not wish to vote on this, preferring to wait until they could vote on the action taken by the Executive Committee. Therefore, the circular letters were returned to me with such statement.
Taiku Station (five members of the station) voted on 13 as follows: “If the clause, ‘House for Mr. Toms not to be built before Annual Meeting’ is stricken out, we will vote in the affirmative”.
I am sending this report as soon as it reached me. Taiku Station did not get their letter to me until last evening. The others have been in my hand almost a week.
Cordially yours,
George S. McCune
P.S. Mrs. Wells has rallied from another unexpected relapse. We are still wondering what the outcome will be. If she does get well, she will hardly be able to be about much, it is feared. She may be a confirmed invalid. Dr. Mills [Ralph Garfield Mills, M.D., arrived 1908 and assigned to Kangkai] has shown much skill in caring for her. The whole Station force has been used to help in the home and in the care of the children.
Yours,
G.S.M.
(fi-om microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #37)
Portland, Oregon
March 2, 1909
Horace G. Underwood
Rev. A.J. Brown, D.D.
Board of Foreign Missions 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City
My Dear Dr. Brown
Yours of the 25“' ult. just to hand. Thanks for the same.
I regret very much, indeed, that you do not see some way out of the difficulty in regard to Dr. Vinton. We shall see him when we get to Tacoma [Washington state] and will let you know anything further that we learn.
I am writing Dr. White today in regard to Mr. Stewart. We found it not the easiest matter to get Mr. Stewart on our side, and I want to be able to give the circumstances in their entirety to Dr. White before much correspondence is done from New York.
We are having a good time in Portland and everybody speaks with much love and appreciation of you and your family.
With kindest regards from Mrs. Underwood and myself, I am.
Yours most sincerely,
H.G. Underwood
(per R.A.S.) [who signed for him]
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #40)
Office of
KOREA PROPAGANDA
REV. H.G. UNDERWOOD. D.D., Chairman REV. ERNEST F. HALL. Secretary O.R. AVISON. M.D.
REV. W.M. BAIRD, Ph.D.
REV. H.M. BRUEN REV. F.S. MILLER REV. C.E. SHARP A.M. SHARROCKS, M.D.
REV. R.H. SIDEBOTHAM REV. A.G. WELBON
ADVISOR4Y COMMITTEE
JOHN H. CONVERSE President Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia H P. CROWELL
President Quaker Oats Co., Chicago D.B. GAMBLE
Proctor & Gamble (Ivory Soap).
Cincinnati
C. W. HAND
Vice President Underwood Type- writer Co., New York City H.B. HULBERT, F.R.G.S.
Journalist, Springfield, Mass.
D. W. MCWILLIAMS Treasurer Inter-Borough Rail- way, New York City
L.H. SEVERANCE. New York City J.T. UNDERWOOD President Underwood Typewriter Co., New York City
Portland, Oregon March 5, 1909 H.G. Underwood
Rev. Arthur J. Browne, D.D.
Board of Foreign Missions 156 Fifth Avenue, New York City
My Dear Dr. Brown
I wish very much indeed that I had time to drop you a long letter and tell you all about your good friends in this city of Portland and the work that is being done. I cannot just now wait for this, but I do want to tell you just a word or two of what has been happening since we have been here.
We have been pretty much on the go and Dr. Foulkes seems to me in his generalship and management to be a worthy successor of Dr. Arthur J. [Brown]. We have been very much in your old church and have been hearing about you on all sides.
Mrs. Ladd, Sr. [for whom the Caroline Ladd Hospital in Pyongyang is named] gave a reception at her house at which several of us spoke. I preached in the First Church Sunday morning, Mr. Hall addressed a union meeting of young people in the evening. Monday night, Mr. Hall and I spoke in the same church at a union meeting of Christian Endeavorers. Tuesday afternoon there was a ladies’ meeting in the church and the lecture room was crowded, and after various other meetings all over this city and around the country, we finish with a mass meeting tonight. The Commercial Club gave a banquet at $1.50 per plate, and there were over 230 people present. Here we spoke and a great deal of enthusiasm was manifested.
In the meantime we have been seeing Mrs. Ladd on two or three occasions and I have just come from my farewell call upon her. She tells me that she is now willing to change her mind and will provide for the deficit on the Pyeng Yang Hospital, but she cannot do this all this year. She expects to send $1000 before the close of the year and will add more, paying as fast as she can until
3/05/09 - p.2 H.G.U.
the entire deficit is paid. She spoke of a discrepancy in the report from the Treasurer at Korea, that she had received. The report came to her from either you or Mr. Day. She does not know just exactly how much it was, but she expects that to be straightened out, and will pay, if need be, the full amount you first stated, but of course does not desire to do this unless it is necessary.
The people hare are also going to pay the salary of Miss Campbell, if she is the right one to go to be a nurse in that hospital. I do not think that it is generally known, but I judge from what has been said, also from the way Mrs. Ladd spoke, that a good share, if not all, of the salary for this nurse, will come from her.
Other things also will be coming from this city to us, but just how much we do not yet know. We can only hope and pray and leave the matter with God.
There is one matter concerning which I want to speak. On our trips around here, we find some exceptionally good men who are in the pastorate, have proven themselves great successes, and who desire to go to the foreign field. Some of these are bom linguists; others perchance, have shown no special adaptability for the learning of languages, but when they have exceptional qualities, I think it would be far better to send them, even though they have one or two children, rather than the young men unproved from the Seminary. By the way of an illustration, I would call your attention to the fact that you sent out Dr. Avison with his large family and he has proven a great success, not only in his work on the field, but in drawing in funds to the Board. There is a gentleman in one of the churches who has come all the way from California to talk the matter over with us, and we will write you later regarding the matter.
I did not intend to write as long a letter as this, but knew you would like to know about Mrs. Ladd’s promise.
Yours most sincerely.
Rev. H.G. Underwood signed by initials “M.G.”
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #43)
San Rafael, California
March 5, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
My own Dearest,
Mother came home from the Sanitarium last Saturday night much better in general health and walking on the injured limb. It seems wonderful that she can use it at all. Dr. gave it a severe test before she left and told her to walk as much as the muscles will allow. She walks about these rooms without even a cane. She has come home to stay this time we hope. Miss Frances Standen, Mrs. Whiting’s friend, says she will come to be Mother’s helper. She will be a daughter, not a servant. A lovely Christian girl, I believe she will enter into the home life in all its phases and make it her own home. Now, dearest, - these two things. Mother’s returning strength and a helper secured for her, bring me face to face with the question. “Do I need to stay longer?” Father and Mother will not say a word either way. They will gladly pay every cent needed for the four of us while here but will do nothing to hinder if I say we must go back this summer. Father is less and less equal to business. I think I could gradually get everything in my hands and that it would be a great relief to him, but I think he will steadily refuse, as he has done already, to place business matters in Mother’s hands or give them to anyone else. His judgment is not clear and sometimes he is quite unreasonable. We have just had a serious time with him about renting this house over our heads. A man in the city asked for it for 5 months from May 1st and Father told him he could have it, and came home and announced that we were to move to the Ward cottage because he could get $500 summer rent for this house and in no other way could the taxes be met. It took three days hard work to induce him to tell the man this house could not be given up. He cannot yet see why seven of us cannot go over to that cottage which has only one bedroom 9 X 12. Even if I should leave, it would not be wise for Mother to go there. The house is roughly finished, in shadow nearly all the time, on a steep hillside without a road broken through - no gas or electric wires, - and Mother’s new-found strength is not sufficient for living there without accustomed comforts. Yet Father wilt not acknowledge one of these points and thinks we are losing a splendid opportunity to make this money easily. I think the effort might send Mother back to the Sanitarium. She thinks she could have done nothing with him in this case without me. Over and over I ask myself “Are these two things - business matters and deciding such points as this - sufficient to make it my duty to stay?” Besides these two I see no strong reason for staying tho of course a need might arise at any time. I asked Mother the direct question and she replied, “You must decide whether you should stay till your Father is taken Home. For myself I have nothing to say. I did not hold you before and shall not begin now.” They do not need me now for physical help or care. Oh, dearest, if I could only talk with you. What I want to do is to return to you this summer in June or July, doing all I can here to arrange business matters until that time. Sometimes it seems very easy to decide this way, but I might regret it deeply.
Jamie boy was crowded out of the last letter, so here he comes in - our birthday boy. Saturday afternoon he had a party outdoors from 2 to 4, with Morris Cox, Robert and John Lethbridge, Helen and David Carr. I set the table on the school porch and gave them Southern California oranges from Auntie Louise (Mrs. Strang sent a beautiful box), sandwiches, animal crackers. Birthday Cake, (with white frosting, pink candy rosebuds and four candles) and butter cup candies. The children had a very good time - we took them home and then Jamie and I went to the Station for Grandma. Grandpa gave Jamie a beautiful little rocking chair and Grandma gave four new summer suits. I bought him a book, a cheap blackboard, a top, garden tools and blocks. He is just as devoted as ever to kindergarten and I am sure that he is not taxed at all.
3/05/09 -p.2 A.F.M.
Baby is well, happy and very active. The rain stopped at last - after giving us 44.57 inches and we have had a week of beautiful sunny days when Baby has been out most of the time for six and one day seven hours.
Emma, the splendid Swedish girl, left us and after much trouble I found Kate Conner who is at present installed.
I went to a city instrument maker and had a high shoe made for Mother with cork sole and heel which relieves the strain on her back and prevents the limping. This has been a very busy week, as you can see.
Oh, dearest, I want you, need you, more than ever. Tell me how this question looks to you.
I love you with all my heart and more than ever before - but I feel so away from you now that I want to consult so much. It is very late. Goodnight.
Father & Mother and the children and I send love and kisses to Papa -
Your own,
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyongyang, Korea
March 11, 1999
S.A. Moffett
Dear Dr. Brown:
Your letter to the Mission concerning your visit here in September just to hand. I take time now for just a word - that it may reach you as speedily as possible concerning the time for our Annual Meeting. Pages 49 & 50 of printed minutes of the Mission place time of our next meeting not earlier than August 20 in Pyongyang - and the Committee has already set the date as August 22"** - September T* to be followed by the meeting of Presbytery September 2"^ or 3'** to 6* or 7*. The Spiritual conference in Seoul is set for September 9'*' to 15* and the “Great plans” for a Quarter-Centennial Conference has been changed to something less pretentious - but just what I do not know.
What I want to mention particularly is the date of Annual Meeting and Presbytery, both of which are of greatest importance. Above all other items we shall want you here at that time and yet that is just the time you have set for Japan. I shall write at once to other members of the Executive Committee asking what suggestions we shall make under the circumstances, and will write you again shortly - but I want you to know as soon as possible the situation that we may have your suggestions also - when you know these facts.
To change the time of our meeting will very seriously interfere with all the educational work of missionaries & Koreans. I will not say that it is impossible to change - but I can see great difficulty and many objections. I have not however as yet discussed the question with anyone.
Your letter on Chong Ju seems to again hold us up and we are helpless - held up on division by the Methodists here and held up on building by the Board there. The Methodists reject in toto your arrangement with Bishop Harris and refer to it as “Dr. Brown’s proposal”, as though Bishop Harris had nothing to do with it. We have tried to reach an adjustment with Bishop Harris and the M.E. Committee, and can do nothing for division. They want us to get out of the two provinces. All we can see is that Dr. Jones [George Heber Jones] wants no division at all and proposes impossible conditions. Evidently the Bishop has not authority or does not wish to exercise it. We, however, are held up. They are not. We were ready to give far more favorable terms than those you proposed but they would listen to nothing but our withdrawal from the two provinces to make way for men Dr. Jones expects to get next year, which the Mission has said over and over is out of the question. When you come out possibly you can induce the Bishop to agree to a division - but do not in the meantime hold up our station and cripple our work which is developing now so well.
Please notice actions on Chong Ju on Page 9 and pages 28-29 of Mission printed Minutes - also Executive Committee actions taken last meeting - which has doubtless reached you.
We are delighted at the prospect of having you with us again. By the way, I take it that the Board will not think of sending as a missionary to Korea any Koreans studying in America. The M.E. South [ Southern Methodist] Board has such an appointment and someone asked me if our Board was likely to make such an appointment if a Korean graduating in America should apply. I should hope not - for I am sure it would complicate our relations with the Korean pastors trained here.
Hastily and with kindest regards.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Moffett
P.S. Mrs. Wells has passed the crisis but is likely to be ill for a long time with heart trouble.
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #49)
Cable Address: Board of Foreign Missions Madison Square Branch
“Inculcate,” New York of the
Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY 1 56 S'*" Avenue
New York
New York City March 12, 1909 A.J. Brown
The Rev. Graham Lee, D.D.
Pyeng Yang, Korea
My dear Dr. Lee:
If I thought you really meant some of the things that you wrote in your letter of February \2'^, and would adhere to them on reflection, I should feel a little disturbed. But I do not believe you do, and, therefore,
I shall continue to believe that you are the good-hearted, reasonable man that I have long given you credit for being. I say things rather impulsively myself sometimes when I am under the impulse of disappointment or special provocation, or think that I am, so that I can imagine how natural it was for you to write rather hastily on getting word that the Board could not do all that you wanted it to do. I am confident that you will feel on reflection that the members of the Korea Mission who are home on furlough and who constitute the Korea Propaganda, and also the Board, are in a better position to judge as to whether any further special appeals now would interfere with the appeals that are already before the Church, and for which money has not yet been secured. If you will look at my Mission letter of [?] you will see that it indicates quite clearly the opinion of your fellow-missionaries in this country, though they may be presumed to be as deeply interested in a school for missionaries’ children as anyone.
After we have all given a great deal of anxious thought and prayer and loving sympathy to the question as to how we could possibly help missionary parents more adequately, and after we had just voted to increase the children’s allowance to $150 between the ages of ten and twenty, it is a little odd to get a letter taking us fore and aft and smiting us hip and thigh with great slaughter because we have “shirked facing the question,” “are not alive to the question,” etc. etc. However, a Secretary gets used to all sorts of things and has to try to learn to possess his soul in patience. We all need a punching once in a while and if we do not deserve some particular one that comes along, perhaps we will deserve it over the next question that arises, so that we can transfer it, under the Manual power of transfer, to the point where it is most needed and will do the most good.
Meantime, be assured, my dear brother, that there is no other problem that lies closer to my heart than the problem the missionary parent has to face in connection with the education of his children, and although the Boards are already giving foreign missionaries more consideration on account of children than any other Christian workers in the world receive, or than any of us get at home, we are eager to do just as much more as we possibly can.
Pardon a hasty letter, as I am obliged to give every minute that I can to the preparation of General Assembly reports and estimates for the ensuing year and have to dictate very hurriedly and shall not have time to read this over after it is written out.
With warm regards to Mrs. Lee and with some anxiety for Mrs. Wells whom I earnestly hope is improving, I remain, as ever.
Affectionately yours,
A.J. Brown
(from microfilm reel # 283, Vol. 242 (Part 4), letter #77) - (also sent as an attachment to letter #29 from Graham Lee to A.J. Brown on microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239)
San Rafael, California
March 12th, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
My dear Sambo,
Your great long letter of February 14th from Seoul is just at hand. What a treat it is and yet how it makes me long for you. Oh, my dearest, how I want you - it seems as if I cannot go on in this way - we need each other and the children need Papa. Yet I do not know how to plan or how to decide. I felt sure it was right to come and am thankful I did. Now the way will be made clear if I am to go back home. At present it seems as if I ought to help Father in business matters; not for the sake of the business but to relieve him. Sam, Father cannot talk over business matters - he cannot think clearly nor remember what was said five minutes before. I asked him to go over the real estate with me and he could not name it all. I went to the office for the tax receipts of last year and learned for the first time about a lot in Oakland, bought two years ago. He cannot tell me what policies he holds nor when due and when I was in the office and suggested that I look over papers and make memoranda, was not willing. I must manage it some other way. He says the two cottages now rented are not insured and I think they should be - and the Ward cottage as well. It will not be long before all three are surrounded with dry grass and they would bum like kindling, leaving expensive lots. The West End cottage is leased - the other two, with the vacant lot here on 5th & C. also the Oakland lot, I think should be sold. Each would bring some advance on the cost and the money could be yielding interest rather than drawing out taxes and repairs. I have paid four plumbers bills since I came. The South Side cottage is occupied by Italians paying $10 per month. In November they sent over asking to have one of the rooms papered. Father sent a man over without instmctions and he sent in a bill for $87 on a $1000 house and lot! Father mentioned casually that he had left his statement at the assessors and that the man had him when he asked for a valuation on the library here in the dining room. I said, “Why, Father, don’t you carry over such things from year to year?” “Yes, but I haven’t any statement from last year so I guessed at it.” “What did you guess?” “I’ve forgotten. - about $400. I think a great deal of that library.” And perhaps it would bring $75 at auction. You see how things are going, dearest. I must do my own thinking. I can’t depend on Father’s statements or methods. He was heart broken because we said we could not move into the Ward cottage and rent this house. Over and over I told him there is not floor space for our beds alone in the whole place but every day he came home with only the first idea in mind and said he thought we were going over there. Finally one day he said, “Allie, we must rent this house to Mr. Josephs. I gave my word he could have it and I don’t want to break it. Besides he will give $100 a month and we must have it, for you know I haven’t anything to pay taxes.” So I started out house hunting and have been at it fiercely. Went to three agents and have looked through at least fourteen houses. Three times I decided, only to find we could not have the place for five months only. Today, however, I found a six room cottage for $25 and secured it for April 1st. So here we go for a summer camp! It means a lot of work to leave this house in shape, pack away some things and move eight people, but the thing I fear most is that I cannot keep Mother from over work and she will be down sick. Still we’ll hope all will be well. I am growing very miserly! If we do all this merely to save money I am determined it shall be saved - while of course we have everything needed for comfort. Jamie will have only a small yard to play in, but we can take him every afternoon to the fields or hills for a run. The Ward cottage was rented today for $12.50 and still remains in the agent’s hands for sale. Little by little some things are being accomplished.
Our baby is nine months old today, dearest. He is so happy and strong - a dear little bubbler.
3/12/09 -p.2 A.F.M.
The sunshine has made him brown with rosy cheeks. When I say he is well I must always except his catarrh and tendency to cold. 1 took him to the Homeopathic physician here, (a recent arrival) who examined his throat, says he has no adenoids or growth but that the throat is small and the mucus membrane swollen so that a slight cold easily irritates both nose and throat. He is giving baby a
constitutional remedy for this and thinks he will overcome it through this summer. Baby was vaccinated today. So I am accomplishing some things with him, also. Jamie boy is happy and well and on the whole is very good. Sometimes he takes a notion he will not do a certain thing but he is yielding more and more readily. I notice little manners and tones of voice like other children in the kindergarten but I do not hear anything bad from him or from any of them. One day when I would not do Jamie’s bidding he said “If you don’t I won’t play with you.” And then I gave a little talk on not saying the naughty things he will hear from other children. Yesterday he said “That is shocking.” But he hasn’t an idea what it means. There is ^ much to write I have scarcely begun but it is so late I must go to bed.
Dearest, if it seems best for me not to leave would it be possible for you to come late in September and stay till the next Theological year? This is but a possibility. If we could only talk it over. I think I shall go to Dr. Landon and have a talk. His quiet and calm and good judgment will help me to see what perhaps I am over-looking on some questions - even though he cannot decide anything for me.
Oh, my dearest, I love you more than ever. Nearly every day something comes up to make me more thankful for the deep, true things in our life, for our love, our home, our precious boys and our life work. I know the light will come and the way open before us. If we are not to be together soon then we shall have grace and patience to wait.
With all my love,
Your Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Kang Kai, Korea
March 14, 1909
Herbert E. Blair
Dr. A.J. Brown, D.D.
156 Fifth Avenue, New York City
Dear Dr. Brown:
1 have had it on my heart to write you a Kang Kai letter for several days. 1 left Syen Chyun February 12*, reaching Kang Kai February 24*. The trip was extra slow because 1 brought four sleigh loads of provisions, a blizzard holding us up one day at the big divide between Syen Chyun district & Kang Kai district. I rode in a comfortable roll of bedding on my sleigh between two boxes, sheltered from the wind. The bull that pulled my sleigh eagerly lifted his neck under the yoke & we glided along beautifully. 1 had twelve days to think of the busy life 1 had left behind at Syen Chyun and to plan for the future in Kang Kai. To be sent to open a new station far in the interior forces one to think things he is not used to thinking and to wonder - and then to trust. For Christ is the same in Kang Kai and it is glorious to serve Him here.
Sixty li out from Kang Kai an Academy boy (for we have an Academy of about forty boys in Kang Kai) ran out from an inn to greet us; - we went on twenty li and slept. In the morning the Academy boy was gone, - sped on ahead to tell the church that the pastor had arrived. They had sent him out to bring the tidings. We were up early & soon on the road eager to make the city before noon. Twenty five li out a turn of the river valley brought us into position to see the city and our hearts were wild with expectation. It almost makes one cry to reach a goal after twelve days of hard struggle over mountains & deep snow. Fifteen li out we saw a group of men coming to meet us. The closer we approached the larger the group grew. They had come out five miles to meet us. Old men & school boys, rich & poor. The elder who was not well came in a rich friend’s sleigh. There were about two hundred men and their hearts were overflowing with gladness because we had at last come. This time, come to make our homes. I was sorry Mrs. Blair &. Mr. & Mrs.
Rhodes & Dr. & Mrs. Mills were not there to see that welcome, but our little baby is too young for the trip yet and there are no homes yet built & the Rhodes’ and Mills families are rather new at the language to make the trip yet. It made all the twelve days of struggle over the road vanish from mind unrecallably. God has done a marvelous thing in raising up a church of seven hundred Christians here in this far away city. He has poured out His Spirit upon them, giving them a pure & strong life, aggressive zeal, & wonderful faithfulness. May our coming mar in no way the work of God’s Spirit.
Immediately we began the class for Bible study, so the elder & helpers could get off to Pyeng Yang for the theological class. This class lasted a week. It was not well attended because I had done my best to call it off on account of too much other work. Nevertheless the Koreans got their way & we had a good time, though some other work had to wait.
On Sunday during the class the third annual collection was taken for the proposed new church building. Over five hundred yen was raised, giving us a total of nearly two thousand yen, money in advance for the building. They had planned building this summer but readily gave way when we asked them to let us have all the carpenters for our buildings. The present church will comfortably seat six to seven hundred as it is, and in the mean time many new believers will come in & another large collection can be raised. We are planning a building to seat about two thousand.
3/14/09 -p.2. H.E.B.
trusting that we will have need for the room by the time it is all built, - for we plan to build sections at a time as it is required, in such a way that it will make a beautiful building when complete. We hope the whole city will be Christian in a very few years. A city of ten thousand Christians - is that too much to hope and pray for? The Koreans have no other thought - & I think God must have put it in their hearts.
My principal task on this trip as 1 have planned it is to make arrangements to begin building as soon as the ground is thawed. You will be glad to know that we have secured an exceedingly beautiful location for the compound, - a comer of the city just inside the East Gate, on a sloping hill which is covered with a beautiful pine grove just behind where we have secured land.
I alone have the language well enough to handle the problems. I hope it will not cause me to neglect the church work too much. Fortunately both Dr. Mills & Mr. Rhodes have had the right kind of preparation to enable them to do all the planning & overseeing of these buildings except the part that has to be done in the Korean language.
We have adopted a plan of house for Kang Kai much like the Taiku houses. Brick, two rooms deep, with attic story, tile roof, etc. We dropped the plan used in Pyeng Yang and Syen Chyun because mud walls require wide eaves which are good only in a tropical climate, because we had to have wood or brick walls to oppose the rainy season if we used narrow eaves. We dropped the Pyeng Yang plan also because in that plan every room is exposed to the wind & cold & we could not endure the cold Kang Kai winters with such exposure. Our rooms are to be two deep so that the heat will be held in & the attic rooms can be heated from the first floor fires. We will have to bum wood here in all our stoves & fuel will be a great bill. One very surprising thing to me has been the fact that here in the mountains where rice fields are scarce, the price of rice is lower than in the coast where there is nothing but rice cultivated. This is because exportation raises the price on the coast & because the mountain people live largely on millet & oats. On the other hand the price of fire wood is higher in Kang Kai than in Syen Chyun. This also has its reasons. Kang Kai, although the heart of the forest district, has used up all the wood round about for thirty or forty li. Everybody here used wood & the price has gone up & up. At Syen Chyun where trees are scarce the people never think of anything but grass for fuel so we foreigners have been able to buy all the fuel we needed at a comparatively low price. The question of the cost of living here, although early to know for sure, appears to afford considerable apprehension. Every article of foreign goods will have to bear a burden of freight that is distressing. It will cost us ¥ 1500 on the average for every sleigh load of goods in the wintertime from the nearest railroad station. A sleigh will have from 600 to 800 lbs. This is over and above all the freight bills we had to pay at Syen Chyun. All our canned goods will have to bear a like increase in cost. Coal oil that costs ¥ 3.40 for a box in Syen Chyun costs ¥ 5.00 in Kang Kai. The cost of labor is as high or higher here than in Syen Chyun & Pyeng Yang. It is too early yet to give reliable statistics but I am satisfied that we will have to change our method of living quite radically or get a subsidy for freight. I sometimes think that in as much as we will be only three families here all by ourselves we can live cheaper. At the same time it will require that we mn a small dairy for milk and butter & a small farm for food. Whether it is wise to spend our time on such things or to give all our time to the church work is a question. Still it is too early to know what compensations we may find in living here. We have hoped that it would be cheaper here than elsewhere & will not stir up a mmpus about poverty till we have actual needs. The loss of ¥ 280 [?] worth of food in a steamer wreck lately has made our coming here a little trying. The food I brought up on the sleigh was bought to replace the goods lost in the wreck.
3/14/09 -p.3 H.E.B.
We are sorry to get word that Fischer Brothers, Seattle, failed to insure our goods. So it is probably a total loss. But we had enough money saved up so we can get along all right if nothing worse turns up.
The money given for the motor boat for the Yalu River has not been touched yet. I have had great fear of wasting the whole sum by going ahead too soon. Now I am satisfied that the only possible boat that can be of service must be a boat that does not draw more than 12 inches of water. Mr. McMurtrie of Pyeng Yang has ordered a motor through Mr. [?] Doris of Rock Island, Illinois & has promised to make the boat at the Pyeng Yang Academy boat shop. A boat that will work on the river above Pyeng Yang will work here. So he will try the boat there first & after he gets it going we will bring it around to the Yalu. Five months of the year it will be useless because of ice on the river, but if it is usable for the trip to Annual Meeting alone it will be worth all it costs, for the ladies will never be able to stand many overland trips.
Mr. Rhodes leaves Syen Chyun tomorrow to come to join me here in about ten or twelve days. I will leave here then in about a week after he arrives & go to Syen Chyun.
[possibly a separate little note enclosed with above letter?]
Dear Dr. Brown:
This is to inform the for Korea that Miss Mary Gillett Blair was bom in Syen Chyun,
Korea December 2 T*, 1908, - a perfect baby in all parts as far as we have discovered. Her mother has made good recovery & bids fair to be turned down on her language examination at next Annual Meeting if she does not quit spending so much time worshiping her new idol. Mary Gillett’s father begs to be forgiven for failing to impart this very important news earlier. He thinks he was too busy but probably he was worshiping the little lady too much also.
Yours tmly,
H.E. Blair
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #53)
San Rafael, California
March 17, 1909
Alice Fish Moffett
My Dearest:
Your long letter of February 24th makes me more hungry than ever to see you — more hungry for you. When I take up business matters which I have to carry alone and have so many things going on about which I carmot even write you, I feel as if I were growing away from you, dearest. I have some of the old feeling of necessary self-dependence and it is not welcome. But I love you and long for you with all my heart, and oh how I wish we could see ahead or find it possible to plan to be together. This training is good for me I know, if I find it hard to endure patiently. Sometimes I am very tired of responsibility and then I grow impatient. I seem to need patience more than anything else these days.
Before I forget it — two matters of business. On Jamie’s birthday Mrs. Shaver brought $5 for the “little Shaver fund”, so this amount can be used from the educational fund we carry. Also I have $40 from the Santa Rosa Society to be used for a Bible woman or in any way most needed. I have acknowledged the receipt of your two checks ($50 and $100) but now do so again. Do not send any money till I write for it. I have nearly $200 in hand.
March 19th. The photo of Merlin and Howard has come and Jamie is delighted. I will have him send a little letter to them. I have received good letters from Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Bemheisel and a note from Mrs. Swallen. How I wish I could be there to help out with the teaching. The good long letter from Louise gave me many details of news.
Jamie boy is so happy in this large yard with Helen and David. He comes in to me with bunches of flowers or to tell me that Muggins is hungry for bread or sugar. Often I hear him singing little snatches of kindergarten songs. “Wee birdies are singing.” Is that a new song, Jamie?” “Yes, and you must sing tra-la-la with it this way. That’s the way the birdies do.” I am far behind the times because I don’t know all the new songs. Jamie says I must buy all the books Miss Mysell has and learn all the songs.
Baby is happy and strong and growing every day on his rich milk and white of egg. He kicks and squeals, — and pounds his rattle all to pieces he is so energetic. The photos are not as good as they might be. I will try again later on. I send you all the proofs just for fun. Have ordered only one dozen from this set, as marked on the back. Do you want any more of these or will you wait for better ones?
I had a short business talk with Mr. Carr the other day. Have placed insurance on the three cottages and given two of the cottages and the vacant lot to an agent for sale. Mr. Carr advises me to go over Father’s papers in the city even though I have to do it through the Company lawyer, Mr. Deal, who is an old time friend of Father’s and Mother’s and a man with whom I can talk freely. I intended to do this yesterday but Mother is down sick with an attack of bronchitis - not serious in itself but which brings back the deep cough of pneumonia which is painful and weakening. It is so hard to see her suffer. She has little resistance and does not respond to remedies as two years ago.
I had a long talk with Dr. Landon to help me to look on all sides of my problem rightly. He said in substance, “I believed that you ought to come and am thankful you did. Now that your Mother is walking again and you have secured Miss Standen it seems to me that you have
3/17/09 -p.2 A.F.M.
accomplished what was most necessary and 1 doubt if you are called upon to make a decision which will keep you here indefinitely or call Dr. Moffett from the field.” I agree with every point he made but still, dearest, when I think of Father’s dependence on me for every smallest decision and of Mother’s weakened condition I don’t see how I can bring myself to leave them again. 1 know the Lord will guide, — if 1 am to go home the way will be opened as it was for us to come here — and it may be made plain much sooner tan we think. Mother insists that we shall go forward with the plans for moving into the cottage, but unless she gains strength I think we shall have to stay here after April 1st.
This letter has had many interruptions — now I am going back to say little things left out.
Am planning to settle up for the Ward cottage April 1st. Mother is willing to draw out interest money from the bank here with the understanding the monthly payments go back in the bank instead of to Mr. Ward. It will be a relief not to have to deal with the — the Wards — any more. Went yesterday to make the proposition to them and learned the place is already insured! 3 year policy for $1000. Father said it was not — they had said nothing about it. Mr. Ward will have this policy changed and pass it over with the deed April 1st and receive $630. Mr. and Mrs. Wood who rent the house seem very nice people.
Baby Boy has a new word but he hasn’t told me how to spell it. It sounds like diddle or dddllll with long rolls on the Is. His vaccination did not take — for the second time. I shall wait awhile and try again in a month or two.
Whenever I praise Jamie for prompt obedience or anything praise-worthy he says “Mama you write and tell Papa about it.” Very often he says “I want to go back to Pyeng Yang” and even in the middle of the night I heard a half unconscious “I wish we could see Papa.”
Yes, I still have Florence Folwell’s sweater. Will send it by the first opportunity or surely mail it during the summer. Last week I had my first Mission Study Class in this church with Dr. Underwood’s “The Call of Korea” as a text book. 24 in the class. Spoke in the Congregational Church that same evening. Father and Mother send love to you. And I send all my heart of love to you, my Dearest.
Your
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Chicago, Illinois
March 23, 1909
H.G. Underwood
Rev. A.J. Brown Board of Foreign Missions 156 5* Avenue, New York
My dear Dr. Brown
Yours of the 8* just to hand.
I am simply going to take up the last statement in regard to the amount there is to be used in these buildings. I would like to call your attention to the fact that in Pyeng Yang the amount spent for the Bible Institute is $5000 in the Women’s Institute put up last year, and the Marquis Memorial (amount unknown) and the Men’s Class Room and you will find that the total amount put in there is considerably over $5000.
You see these buildings that have been put up heretofore have been gradually growing and now we are going into Kang Kai, where the work, although new, has practically been in progress for some years, and we will need at once an institution of the kind named.
I expect to be in New York in a few days and we will talk further into the question when I see you there. I am busy just now looking over the men who may be applying for Korea. I think that there will be quite a few so applying and I want to know that they are the right men.
Hoping to see you in a few days.
Yours most sincerely,
H.G. Underwood
HGU-ESB
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #58)
Denver, Colorado
March 30, 1909
Ernest F. Hall
Rev. H.G. Underwood, D.D.
% Underwood Typewriter Company
241 Broadway
New York City, U.S.A.
My Dear Dr. Underwood:—
Our meetings on Sunday were very satisfactory. The meeting last night at the Central Church was not as largely attended as we had hoped, yet there was a good number of men and we had a fine time. I shall follow up some of the things here this week.
I have been urged very strongly to speak in Boulder next Sunday and think it wise to do so. On Monday of next week, I shall speak at Fort Morgan, about 100 miles from here, where one of my seminary elassmates is pastor. I shall plan to leave there that night for Omaha and Dubuque.
I think it will be best to send mail in care of the Underwood Company, Chicago, and I can have them forward it.
Mr. Hulbert [Homer Hulbert] leaves me today for the East. Mrs. Hall is to meet the women at the Central Church this afternoon. I have sent out a great many letters to persons in Spokane and I hope that financial results will follow. We were certainly accorded a very warm welcome there. The First Church in Spokane will doubtless take on their own foreign missionary before many months.
We have been greatly exercised by a statement that was made to me yesterday by a lady who has recently been spending some months in Korea. She has just returned to America and told me of the educational outlook there. She says that the Japanese want all of the schools registered and that if registered, they must agree to use only the text books which are approved by the government. If this is the situation, it seems to me a very critical one. She said that the Y.M.C.A. is holding out against it and that the Methodists are awaiting to see what our mission intends to do.
It seems to me that the Japanese are forcing the issue with us and that they are trying to cripple our work. If we agree to use only the books which are approved by the government you can readily see, in spite of all promises which they might make, that it would be easy for them to shut out the Bible and any text books whieh we might prepare. She said they were also objecting to books which refer to patriotism. This sounds very much like “the unspeakable Turk.”
Mr. Hulbert and I both believe that the missions there should take a definite stand and say to the Japanese that we will eonduct our schools as we have been doing. We cannot afford to yield this time, for if we begin to do so, we shall have to yield more points later on. I do not think that we shall gain anything by trying to conciliate the Japanese, nor do I believe that we shall have any trouble. We might say to them that we will wait and see what books you approve before we decide, then we can simply continue to wait and do nothing, for if we yield at this point, there is a possibility that our Christian education may be hindered, if not entirely destroyed, and it certainly will be very difficult to get people to invest money in our educational work there under any such conditions. It will be altogether too uncertain.
3/30/09 -p.2 E.F.H.
I believe the Board should take this matter up and not delay. They should write to the Mission, or cable them at once. Doubtless Dr. Brown has some information in regard to these matters.
You doubtless received my letter of March 26‘** in regard to forwarding money and your reply is probably in Chicago about this time and it will be forwarded to me here.
As soon as you have decided definitely when you will leave America, please let me know so that I may plan accordingly.
I have written to Mr. Barr in Detroit and hope that I shall be able to have a meeting there.
Yours for Korea,
Ernest F. Hall
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol 239, attached to letter #67 from H.G. Underwood to A.J. Brown)
New York, New York
April 2, 1909
H.G. Underwood
Rev. Arthur J. Brown 156 Fifth Avenue New York City
My dear Dr. Brown
I send you herewith a copy of the letter just received from Mr. Hall. What he says in the second and third pages, if you have not yet heard of, I think will be very important, and I send it straight on. I had heard of Japanese suggestions looking toward a unification of the school system in Korea, and you can readily see what this “unification” would mean. I think its aim is to head off the Christian education, and it behooves us to be on the look-out to see that our interests are conserved.
I suppose you may have heard of this but I send it by special delivery for fear you have not.
Yours very truly,
H.G. Underwood per R
R/U
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #67)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
April 7, 1909
W.L. Swallen
Rev. A.J. Brown, D.D.
I’m undertaking to write you the monthly news of the station. I know you will not think strange that I am a bit late, and brief also. The work continues as usual without break or interruption. Mrs. Dr. Wells’ long illness has taxed the ladies of this and other stations considerably, but we praise God that she is now on a good way to recovery.
The death of Mr. Sidebotham upon whom we had counted for a good deal of help has also made the work heavier for the men in this station. On the other hand, God’s presence has been with us in many evident ways and most of our Korean force have been serving well so that with few exceptions the work moves on with noticeable speed and power.
The work of registering all our day schools throughout the country according to the “Red tape’’ rule of the Japanese order has added a tremendous burden to our already too great load. The missionaries are made the superintendents of all schools. The requirements were so high that it was considered advisable that the missionary take full charge. I am thus in charge of about 50 schools and each clerical missionary of the station in like manner is expected to attend to this work in his territory in addition to his ministerial duties. It is feared that this will interfere with church work to no small degree. But if it is found to do so in too great a degree it will have to be dropped and some other way found to do the work. We will learn by and by I suppose when the correspondence concerning these schools begins with the Government. From this you may get a hint of what may be forthcoming later.
The women’s class was held here last month with an attendance of over 600 earnest women. These women are being taught the Bible systematically. A regular course is followed and the women study with much zeal, many come with babies on their backs, so much so that this year a woman was hired to keep the babies during class while the mothers were reciting and the resourceful Miss Best had sufficient forethought to secure some bushels of animal crackers with which to entertain the babies when they became too restless.
Our Theological Seminary opened this year March 15 with an attendance of 138 students. The [Presbyterian] Council last fall selected a number of men who were to teach during the entire three months, but Dr. Moffett and I are the only ones who seem to be able to give so much time this year. It can hardly be deemed just to the Korean students for those who have a large country work to look after and practically no time to give to preparation, to suddenly drop out of their busy church work to take up the theological instruction with men who are keen to get every point of information possible to fit them for their high calling. The time has come when we shall have to specialize more in order to be able to do the best for the church in Korea.
Our new Seminary building was not erected any too soon. It is now well occupied with busy workers. There will be 9 or 1 0 graduate this year.
There are some other matters that I might speak of but this will suffice to give you a hint at least of what we are doing and trying to accomplish.
Yours in Christ,
W.L. Swallen
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #74)
Pyeng Yang, Korea My dear Mrs. Moffett:-
April 14, 1909
Annie L.A. Baird
Spring is coming on very very slowly. 1 wonder if it is so the world round. The old willows across the fields are just beginning to show the faintest tint of yellow, and everything else is still brown and dead.
But Mrs. Wells is slowly coming back to life, and it really seems like a resurrection after this long and terrible illness that she has had. 1 went in to see her the other day for the first time since she was taken sick, and I could hardly keep from crying just to look at her and hear her voice once more. Since then 1 have been in several times, for she seems to like to have company. She is looking forward to warm days and getting out of doors every day, and 1 hope she will gain faster then. She is just like herself, in spite of her weakness, and what do you suppose she is planning for? A party dress! Miss Butts and 1 just had to laugh when she came out with that.
There is a dear little baby just two weeks old at the Blair’s, little girl No. Three. Naturally, they had hoped for a little boy this time but she is a sweet little thing, fat as a pig and she seemed to bring her welcome with her as all babies ought to, if it hasn’t already preceded them. Mrs. Blair got along well at the time, but 1 think she has not felt very strong since, at least she has not tried to get up yet.
Miss Butts took down with measles several days ago, very much to her surprise, as she had had them before. The attack itself seemed light, as she was broken out with them before she knew it, but her eyes have been very weak since.
Has anyone written you about the woman’s class? It was the largest one yet, well onto six hundred, and all went off, apparently, to everybody’s satisfaction. At the last meeting, a praise serviee, there were twenty short speeches in the space of half an hour. I doubt if the brethren could have done as well.
John [Baird] is doing well at school, altho’ the period of “storm and stress” is on him and he is undergoing attacks of “blues” and kindred unpleasant symptoms. Poor child! He will just have to be patient with himself, and everybody else will have to be patient with him until he “weathers the blast and anchors at last” in the haven of manhood.
I am looking for Mr. Baird late in June or early in July. It seems like a long time since we parted.
Your Charlie boy will be a big fellow when I get my first look at him. I hope very much that your mother’s condition is improving.
With kindest regards to both parents and much love to yourself -
Always your affectionate friend,
Annie L.A. Baird
The botany [textbook] is just out and in an attractive dress. Many thanks for what you did for it.
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
New York, New York
May 22, 1909
H.G. Underwood
My dear Dr. Brown:-
I was very sorry when I last talked with you over the ‘phone and quite surprised to learn that you personally were very uncertain as to whether Mr. Stewart’s “funds could be landed”. I had on the Coast talked the matter over with Mr. Stewart, and thought I knew so thoroughly his mind, and at the same time was so conversant with the Board’s rules, that I considered that the funds were really landed and that it was simply a misunderstanding, in all probability, of the wording of letters that caused you possibly to have some doubts. I felt also that if there were anything in connection with the gift that should make it so that our Board should not feel itself in a position to take the funds, that this amount was promised for Korea, and if our Board could not use it, it was really a personal promise to me on the part of Mr. Stewart, and I felt that Korea needed it, and that it was my place to see to it that somehow or other the funds were used there, even though they should possibly be turned over to another Board, which of course I hoped would not be.
When I was well enough to look into the matter, I still found that there was some doubt and misunderstanding, and I also realized that if the matter were left as it was, nothing could be decided until after I had gone.
I called on Dr. Alexander and learned from him his position, and fortunately, when at the Board rooms one day I saw Dr. [Charles] Erdman and was thus able to meet all of those who had been appointed to have charge of the correspondence. I felt that it was not my place to in any way interfere, and yet at the same time I felt positive that Mr. Stewart would be perfectly willing to take my statement concerning the faith of these men, and would not demand of the Board a guarantee as to their future faith. From talks I had had with him, I felt that there was nothing in his offer that could in any way embarrass the Board, and yet at the same time I wanted to have such precautions taken as would make sure that his wishes would be carried out to the very best of the Board’s ability, and that the men selected should be men along the line of his own feelings and desires. I first of all thought that I would do nothing, and then, on second consideration, I thought it would be a great pity to have this money diverted to any other channels, and that our Board ought to get his gift, so I wrote him a personal letter asking him to telegraph me his decision, and I enclose herewith copy of my letter to him, together with a copy of his telegraphic reply which you will see he sent in accordance with my suggestions to him, from which you will be pleased on your return to see that he has acceded to leaving this matter in our hands for adjustment.
In my letter to him you will see that 1 mentioned especially Messrs. Throop and Wiim were men who had been appointed by the Board and could be classed with those described in his terms. Then if Mr. W.G. White’s testimonials should be satisfactory, and if Professor Johnson, also of Chico, applies, and is found satisfactory, we would have seven who in accordance with his desires could be assigned to his gift. Then, too, I want to suggest that Mr. Mowry and Mr. Montgomery had both of them desired to go to the same field, that they have both of them, at the suggestion of Dr. White, been in correspondence with us concerning Korea, that Mr. Mowry was also lined up especially with the gift of Mr. Arnold, concerning whom I spoke to you when I was in your office some months ago, and that Mr. Arnold is especially informed that Mr. Mowry is his missionary, and so many letters have passed between our Propaganda Committee and both Mr. Mowry and Mr. Montgomery, that I think the two of them ought to be assigned to Korea. We have funds in hand for them both, as well as for some other men.
I therefore want to request that the Board be asked to re-consider their previous action, and transfer these men, as well as Mr. Throop to work in Korea.
Yours most sincerely,
H.G. Underwood
P.S. I am sending you a copy of the letter that I sent to Dr. White as I think that you might want it for your files, (from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #90)
Pyengyang, Korea
May 24, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
Rev. A.J. Brown, D.D.
156 5“* Avenue, New York
Dear Dr. Brown:
The station has been wrestling with the problem of furloughs trying to so arrange matters that too many of us will not be off the field at the same time. With furloughs for Blair, Swallen, Lee & Bemheisel and my Edinburgh Conference trip all coming within two years we have been put to it to so plan as to avoid most serious injury to the work.
If Mr. and Mrs. Lee’s health will permit they will postpone their furlough a year but if not Mr. Swallen will change his plans and go home a year later. At best, however, we shall be short- handed and it is thought best for me to return from Edinburgh Conference by October L‘, 1910. Word from Mrs. Moffett gives me little reason to expect her return this fall, as her father is failing steadily and her mother far from well or strong. Her father may be taken at any time and so her plans are very uncertain. We both feel that if possible I ought to go home to her for a while this fall and the station has approved my request for a 4-months absence dating from about September 20"’, provided that I return from the Edinburgh Conference by October 1, 1910. That will mean that I shall be here for the greater part of the work of the Theological Seminary in the spring of 1910 - leave for Edinburgh via Siberia and return here by October 1, 1910.
Of course, in asking permission for 4 months absence this fall, I understand it must be at my own expense. I write to you to ask for Board approval of this request provided of course that the Mission also approves. There will not be time to write for Mission action and then reach you with a letter before you leave America, and I want also to know as soon as possible that I have permission to leave in September if in the meantime conditions do not so change that it becomes unnecessary.
I want to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of April n* enclosing copy of letter to Dr. Eaton of Australian Board, which I am glad to receive.
I am looking forward eagerly to your visit for there are some questions about which it will be a great satisfaction to talk with you when misapprehensions and misunderstandings may be cleared away more readily.
I am glad that Dr. Eaton’s letter to you, a copy of which reached me shortly after your letter has already cleared up several misunderstandings revealed in your letter. Dr. Eaton evidently understood that action of our Board is necessary before any agreement can be reached.
After our Executive Committee meeting in February when Mr. Smith was so eager for the Rest House and Training Class Building approved by the Mission for Milyang, I told him I would write to a friend in the hope of receiving the money for the same. A letter on the last mail from Mr. Crowell of Chicago tells me the money has been sent to Mr. Day [Board treasurer] as requested.
As before stated - altogether independent of the question of division with Australians or station or no station at Milyang, the Mission thinks we need the Rest House and Training Class Building and I earnestly hope this appropriation will be made at once. Delay may seriously interfere
5/24/09 -p.2 S.A.M.
with purchase of desirable site and property.
I want to add one more word just now about reinforcements. If possible, send out in addition to those already appointed, 4 more single ladies this year. They are greatly needed and needed now.
Trusting you may have a safe journey - a restful one as you cross the ocean and reach us prepared to plan with us for taking this country for Christ - and with cordial regards.
Sincerely yours,
Samuel A. Moffett
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #91)
Taiku, Korea
May 29, 1909
Christine H. Cameron
My Dear Dr. Brown:
I write to tell you how very sorry I am now that I sent in my resignation, now that I have fully regained my health and am as well and strong as ever. I have never worked any harder in my whole life than I have worked these eight months doing the hospital work, and have never enjoyed my work so much. I only wish I could continue it. I have found, too, that I know a great deal more of the language than I ever thought I did - it seemed all I needed was to get with the people. I found out I learned more in one day working in the hospital than I could learn [in] a week from 5/24/09 - p.2 S.A.M. books.
I have been able to work with and train seven students and four servants. Two of the students understood very little English and talked less, so all teaching and talking had to be in Korean. 1 do enjoy working for the Koreans so much. I know my heart will break when I give the work up.
I had the pleasure lately of attending a five days’ class in one of the country districts with Mrs. Adams. The baby was taken sick and had to be brought home the second day, so I was left to run the class with Miss Mills’ assistance. I continued the Bible study with Miss Mills teaching singing and Bible verses. We had a rousing good time the whole five days. Friday, Saturday and Sunday I saw over 30 sick people, prescribing and selling medicine to most of them, and on Sunday we held three Gospel meetings with 468 people attending. At that church there are only about 150 to 200 [in] regular attendance; now since these meetings, there are about 300. Our Bible woman said over 50 women had said that Sunday they wanted to believe. I enjoyed that trip so much, and enjoyed the teaching.
I have stayed over in Taiku this week at the request of several members of the station, to give a talk to the Normal Class of women that is now in session. 35 women are attending - about 50 were present last night when I gave the talk on the care of women before, during and after confinement, also telling them simple remedies and how to treat sick children and sick people who are unable to come to the hospital, or [are] too far away from the doctor. The women seemed to enjoy it as much as I did giving it, and would have kept me there until midnight answering questions.
It was the trip to the country and giving the talk last night that made me want to write you this letter and tell you I know my heart will break when I give up this work. I never would have sent in my resignation if I had known I would have been well enough or able to do the work. At the time I sent it I was sick and nervous. I did it hastily without much thought and without prayer at the time, when the whole station seemed against me - especially Dr. Johnson, for leaving the Severance Hospital before he said I could, and for other reasons I suppose you know. The station has never told me. Some of the members said I promised to do six months’ itinerating a year, then said I wouldn’t. It does seem strange that during my four years’ stay here I was not able to do much itinerating (over 18 months of that time ill, most of the time in bed) and just when the hospital work was ready for me, for the Lord to heal me and get me ready for the work. Dr. Johnson was saying today he thought my cure was miraculous, that injuries like mine either killed people or crippled them for life. I would never know now that I had been injured. I am perfectly well in every way, and as everyone says, am the picture of health and have been so for months. Those long weary
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months I was sick, I know I was not angelic. I said many things and did many things for which I am very sorry now and I am very very sorry that my influence was not what it should have been, either to the Koreans or to the missionaries. I only wish it were possible for me to stay on here and do some of the good I left undone. Dr. Johnson is a most delightful man to work with. I will be a better Christian for having been allowed this six months’ work with him. He is always ready to speak the Word and always ready to pray. He works as hard to reach the souls of his patients as he does to heal their bodies. He is the truest Christian I have ever met and one of the finest men. I know it will break my heart to leave the hospital and give the work over to another nurse. I suppose some day I will see it to be the Lord’s plan for me. I am finding it the hardest thing I ever did in my life, giving it up. I have been worried for fear it has been all my own fault. If I had been a little more loving and kind and thoughtful it would not have happened. I am afraid it is one of the mistakes I will regret all the rest of my life. Some of the missionaries in our mission and other missions have asked me to stay and try private nursing. Of course I have lost my practice in America and it will be very hard to get up another one, and as I have no home, and no reason for going to America, if I could stay out here and make a living, I know I could be a great help to the missionaries and also do some of the work to which I have given my life. Miss Shields has invited me to share her home and try it, going about to the different stations and missions and nursing missionaries and foreigners, and in between times, doing some missionary work with the Koreans and helping the mission doctors. My work ended here with the Taiku hospital May V'. I am now caring for the Johnson children and looking after the hospital while the doctor and Mrs. Johnson are taking a short itinerating trip. I want to ask you how long I could stay out here and still draw my fare home if I have to go. I would like to try it a year. If I found out in less than a year or in that time, would the Board pay my fare home to America if I have to return? I know I could not in a year’s time make enough to live on and also save my fare from the prices the missionaries could afford to pay. If I was sick or ailing I would be perfectly willing to leave and come home to America now. I am perfectly happy in the work here, and long as much as ever I did, to work for the Master among the Koreans, and I truly want more than ever in my life before to do only His will now.
Now, please advise me what I had better do, and let me know please if the Board would pay my fare home at the end of a year.
Very cordially yours,
Christine H. Cameron
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #92)
San Rafael, California
May 31st, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
Oh, my Dearest,
I’m so sorry you have had another siege with your eyes, - and I couldn’t help you, or write letters for you. It is so hard to be away even when you are working hard, - 1 don’t know how I could stand it if you should be sick. Will you make it your business, dear, to take a good rest this summer?
I do not remember replying about Won-si’s salary - did I? I think it should be ¥ 8.00 at least; have thought so for a long time, but others had not been raised before I left.
Hurrah, for the Pyeng Yang Athletic Association. That is fine. It will not be many years before we shall have two boys to join. Baby is beginning to pummel his big brother already . One day as Baby was on the floor Jamie lay down gently across his legs and Baby spanked brother hard and crowed with glee. Let Jamie bring his head within reach and two chubby fists bury themselves in his hair and hold on tight. The boys have very good times together if someone reminds Jamie now and then to be gentle. Before very long Baby will stand up for his rights. He is a merry little kicker and squealer. Grandpa plays with him by the half hour and never tires saying, “Oh you precious baby, there never was a dearer, sweeter boy. That’s right, pull my hair and my nose and dig my eyes out.
You shall do anything you want to.”, etc., etc., etc
Not for a long time have I had any serious time with Jamie. He yields more readily than he used to. Every time I approve him he says “Write and tell Papa about it.” I cannot remember details but told him I would write Papa that he is trying hard to be a good boy. Jamie is getting thinner but he eats heartily and is perfectly well. He plays so hard he cannot grow fat and is getting taller, too. The other day he said, “Mama, when I get bigger I’m going to take care of Baby so you can sleep.” 1 am sleeping finely now, since tooth No. 4 came through. We all go to bed early. I waken three or four times but go to sleep again and often have seven hours or more.
Mother writes that she is better - not in so much pain now, but still using crutches because of sciatica and stiff muscles. Says she must still stay where she can have the treatments. Father needs more and more watching and attention and sometimes it seems to me he comprehends less and less of what is said. Every day I have to find some article of clothing for him, keep track of changes and of other articles for him. Almost every day I reply to some of the same questions, yet he seems now to know he has asked them before. Over and over he says, “Allie, when is Sam coming? Isn’t it time for his furlough? Tell him we want him so we can all settle down together.” Or again, “Allie, when are you going back? We can’t expect to keep you here though I don’t know what we shall do without you.” He scarcely gives a thought to the six houses here in town and does not know that I have a call from someone of them every few days. Just now it is paint for the kitchen of the West End cottage and a top on the chimney at the Wood place. I am thoroughly tired of caring for real estate. But there is little transfer in that line now, - I cannot sell those I want to. Mr. Carr does not call for anything. I feel sure he is making slight repairs at his own expense to save me. I am still trying to find someone to go and come with Father but this one thing seems to be blocked on every side. Three times I thought I had secured someone but each one failed. Three others from the City applied but each wanted room & board provided, commutation and $30 per month! I can’t understand why this one thing is so difficult to accomplish. After tracing up the life insurance policies as best I can I find only the $2000 policy of Mr. Berkeley’s on which $1000 was borrowed last January and the paid up policy for $420 which 1 have in hand. I found it in the silver safe. After your letter about the bonds 1 wrote to Mother about them and she has sent official envelopes so that the bonds will all stand in my name. Did I write you
5/31/09 -p.2 A.F.M.
about the Fire Insurance on the three large houses? There is $2500 on each with $1000 on the furniture in the home. Mr. Carr, Mr. A.L. Taylor and Mr. Havens all say it should be $4000 or $5000 on each but whenever I speak of this to Father he says, “Oh that’s all right. There is nobody better fixed than we are with the hose cart half a block away, the hydrant on the comer of our block and a tank on the place always more than half full. On the other hand I see a line of light frame buildings at the back flanked by two cypress hedges and surrounded by dry grass which is sometimes 2-3 feet high. These facts and that of the three houses standing together make me think it would be wise to carry more insurance. Do you think the matter important enough for me to urge it or to take the step myself if the opportunity comes?
I think the mgs ordered for the ladies by Mrs. Curtis go forward on tomorrow’s steamer. Smith did not get an itemized account for me so I must write to the mg works again and will send exact prices later.
I am sure you will like the pulpit chairs. Hope they will be packed to carry well. I bought what I wanted, forwarding the money, and as I tell the story, I fully expect someone to double the peddler’s gift.
Tomorrow is our tenth anniversary, my Dearest. Even though we cannot keep it together I know that our hearts will be full of thankfulness for the joy of the years we have had together and for the love which grows deeper with each new year. Oh, I am so thankful for you and our two precious boys. God grant we may be together again before very long. And may He give us patience to abide His time and to be willing for all His will. This is not the anniversary letter I intended to write you, but my heart is too full for more. I cannot express myself as you can but - 1 love you with all my heart.
Your
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
San Rafael, California
June 28, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
My own Dearest,
The last page of the last letter was left out but all the love was not omitted even though you did not have the expression of it and there was nothing else but the signature.
Today I mailed Baby’s photos which were taken June 1 1th. From left to right I should name them - 1 . “See my teeth.” 2. “Pat-a-cake.” 3. “Watching a balloon.” 4. “How do you do?” Out of eight negatives only one (#4) is without a blur. Mrs. Taylor, the photographer, says she would as soon try to catch a flying windmill. I had only one of these large cards finished, - just for you, but am sending a card of No. 4 to Mother Moffett. Baby is beginning to creep - not in ordinary fashion - but he gets over the floor, one scarcely knows how. Look away for a minute and you find him six feet away, watch him and he travels by peculiar little hitches, squirms and pulls. Perhaps these are preliminary “steps” to traveling on hands and knees. I notice if Jamie builds a tower across the room. Baby can get there to knock it down. What a blessing it is to have the children both so strong and well and active and happy.
Well, dearest, the days are passing, somehow, 1 scarcely know how. I think the time, like Baby, gets along for me by hitches, squirms and pulls. I often go down in the depths and think I cannot stand it any longer without you - then 1 pull myself together and try it again, but it is dreary work at best and only half living. Mother is still urging me to plan to go home in the fall, - but 1 cannot yet see the way clear to do so. However, 1 think we should have a private cable code to use about the middle of Sept, if necessary. 1 will try to make one soon. This from the steamer schedules —
S.S. Korea leaves Kobe for San Francisco September 19th
Nippon Mam “ ” “ ” ” October 3rd
Siberia “ ” “ ” “ October 9th
Shinano Mam “ ” “ Seattle September 24th
I cannot let myself long for you to come then when I think what it would mean for you to be away with two others off the field. Suppose it should mean that Mr. Lee would break down - or anyone else. Yet it cannot be right that our family should be broken up indefinitely - may the Lord soon give us light and show us what to do.
1 hope the chairs reached you in good condition. I have received several additions to the peddler’s gift - enough to cover both cost and the freight I prepaid. Louise’s Mother sent $5 and the Christian Endeavor Society of this church gave $3. When 1 hear from you of the condition of the chairs and their reception I will pass on the word to those who assisted. Mrs. Strang was so glad to help in giving something for Central Church. When here she asked particularly about your present relation to the church and was much amused to hear you are assistant pastor. Her letter with the gift says she wishes she could send another chair or something else especially for the “assistant pastor.”
It is very late - Good night my dearest. Oh, how I long for you - only your heart can know. 1 cannot keep the tears back always - and sometimes I do not try. Jamie boy is fast asleep - but 1 will tell him in the morning that I sent his kisses to Papa 00000000.
With all my heart of love.
Your wife,
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
New York, New York
June 28, 1909
Arthur Judson Brown
The Rev. S.A. Moffett, D.D.,
Pyeng Yang, Korea
My dear Dr. Moffett:-
I brought your letter of May 24* before the next meeting of the Board after its arrival, and the following action was promptly taken:
“The Rev. Dr. S.A. Moffett of the Korea Mission, and Miss Emma E. Fleming, M.D., of the West Shantung Mission, were given leave of absence from the field for a period of four months, subject to the approval of their respective Missions, in order to visit dying relatives in this country, it being understood that no expense to the Board is involved, beyond the continuance of their salaries.”
1 sincerely hope that God may spare the loved one at home and that your journey may be free from heavy sorrow.
It will be a keen disappointment if I do not see you when I am in Korea as, from your relations to the Mission, particularly as Chairman of the Executive Committee, it is exceedingly important that you should share our conferences, and yet I do not feel like urging you to remain in view of the circumstances. I can only leave the matter to your own judgment in consultation with the Mission.
With warm regards, I remain. Sincerely yours,
A.J. Brown
(from Presbyterian Historical Society microfilm reel #283, Volume 242, (part 4), letter #120)
New York City
June 29, 1909
Arthur Judson Brown
Dr. W.O. Johnson, M.D.
Taiku, Korea
My dear Dr. Johnson:
I am enjoying a long coveted opportunity to write some letters to individual missionaries today, though in order to get the opportunity, 1 have had to flee from the office to the quiet of my home in Montclair. I am thinking about the little company of missionaries at Taiku and wish to send you at least a few lines of remembrance and greeting. 1 trust that you and Mrs. Johnson are enjoying good health and that you are as happy as ever in your work.
I suppose that there are few missionaries who have heavier burdens upon time and strength and sympathy than a busy medical missionary. As I look through some of our great hospitals at home and watch several surgeons and half a dozen nurses in the operating room, I wonder what some of these surgeons would think of the conditions amid which the typical medical missionary has to operate. I suppose a medical missionary’s operations, too, are more apt to be what we call “heroic”, as many patients do not go to you at all until their cases become chronic or until they have made things pretty bad either by neglect or by the crude methods of native treatment which are often worse.
However, this is just where the great privilege of the missionary physician comes in. The other day I read the following words from Dr. Grenfel, the famous missionary on the coast of Labrador:
“I’ve never been sorry a moment for the choice I made. There is reward in it. I used to have a different idea of Christian reward - - this kind of reward with a halo in it and a pair of wings. That didn’t appeal to me. But I am getting a reward that is worth while - getting it every day, too - the reward of the satisfaction there is in doing things that help people, and the reward of knowing that this is something that the Master approves. That’s what He did when He was here - helped people - and if we want to follow Him, that’s what we have to do, too.”
I am sure that those words represent your own feeling as well as Dr. Grenfel’s. It is magnificent to work for God and to know that something is being accomplished for Him and for His Church.
I received a few weeks ago your letter of February 9* and Mrs. Johnson’s letter of March T*. You, of course, know ere this of the appointment of the long-desired nurse. I am very sorry that you and Mrs. Johnson were having such anxieties in the illness of your beloved children and earnestly hope that long ere this they have fully recovered their health.
With warm regards to Mrs. Johnson, I remain, as ever.
Affectionately yours,
A.J. Brown
(from microfilm reel #283, Vol. 242 (Part 4), letter #122)
San Rafael, California
June 30, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
My Dearest,
Your letter of June 10th came yesterday. Firstly, - There is more bed linen & table linen packed away in the lower house for Mrs. Curtis’ use at Annual Meeting time. We had 22 sheets and a few more than three dozen pillow cases counting the oldest ones which were left out to be used first. Pak-si will probably remember where they are packed - in one of the red chests, I think. Some of the woolens in the lower house - especially blankets - should be looked over next fall and repacked with tobacco leaves.
And if you come to us, any clothing which you leave can be packed in the same way - the best articles closely wrapped in paper. Pak-si has done this so many times she knows better than anyone else how it should be done but she cannot do the lifting necessary. She should have one strong person with her while she chiefly directs. Do not let many people - even of the household - go in among the trunks. We lost two large quilts when the room was opened before and the house made ready for us after furlough.
No, I do not need any more money at present. The rugs, wall paper, dishes and freight made a large hole in my sum, but aside from this I use only what is necessary for our clothing and have now $120 on hand. The rug money will come back to you. Have not yet purchased the writing boards for the blind school. I will try to send a cable code with this letter.
July 3rd.
Mother came home last evening. She is very much better - is out of pain, walking freely and eating heartily. It seems to me she is better than she thinks she is. She plans to return in a week to remain till some time in September.
No, we are not greatly inconvenienced in the cottage, though we have no parlor, as Mother’s bed stands in the front room, - the only sunny one. When she is here Father sleeps on a spring couch. Mrs. Rooney and Lynm-si [she has referred to her as “Yum-si” before] sleep in the unfinished half story above. The thing that affects me most is sleeping in a Va bed with Jamie - he kicks like a little colt! This bed and the crib nearly fill the room. And as for the bathroom - Lynm-si and I both want to play with Baby in the tub and cannot both go in at once - you can imagine the situation is serious! I didn’t realize what it would mean to live in this neighborhood, surrounded by the railroad station, a blacksmith shop, saloon and bowling alley on comer, skating rink and gas works in rear. I said as much to Cousin Emma and her quiet reply was “Suppose you were in a City flat.’’ Indeed, I am thankful for the yard we have and for the horse and surrey to take us to the fields.
You should hear Mrs. Rooney and Baby “converse”. She says something to him and he replies decidedly and about as loud “Da-da - ^ ^ - na - ng” - etc., etc. and then she says “Oh now you don’t mean it. I don’t believe a word, etc., etc.” And so they keep it up. The other day Baby roused from his morning nap just as Mrs. Rooney was passing the door and she undertook to put him to sleep again. She took him in her generous arms and began rocking vigorously and singing loudly. Baby thought, “This is fine”, and settled down to enjoy it, so she thought him asleep and stopped singing, when Baby opened one eye as much as to say, “Are you tired? Go on. I’m listening.” As long as she sang he kept still, as soon as she stopped he opened his eyes and when she stopped rocking he sat up straight as if to say,
“Well, if that’s all, let’s go somewhere.” It is too funny to hear her tell it. She would not spoil him for anything, in theory it is all wrong, but still he would be spoiled in a little while if I did not watch her.
Jamie boy sends a hundred kisses and a hundred hugs for Papa. And I, dearest, oh, how I long for you, for life in our home once more and for the chance to tell you how much I love you.
Your,
Alice
(from the Samuel H. Moffett collection of S.A. Moffett papers)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
July 2, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
Dear Dr. Brown,
The Executive Committee has instructed me to write you concerning furloughs, pointing out the history of the Mission action on the subject. Your last letter, April 22, 1906, seems to have been written under somewhat of a misapprehension. What we are seeking is a basis, alike satisfactory to Board and Mission and the Church as a whole, and to conserve the health of the missionaries for the most effective service.
At the Annual Meeting 1905 (minutes page 3 9 ‘/a, the Mission requested sanction to the following plan for furloughs:
1 . At the end of four years on the field, six months in America, the missionary paying the expense one way, salary to begin at the time of return trip.
2. At the end of six years on the field, eight months in America, the missionary paying one fourth expenses, salary to begin at the time of return trip.
3. At the end of eight years on the field, twelve months in America, the Board paying all expenses.
To this the Board replied (in your letter of Dec. 26''', 1906) in which among other things you wrote, “The discussion here has made it plain that if the Board adopts the principle of your plan at all, it would insist on taking the time for travel from the furlough on some such basis as this: A ten months furlough in this country in addition to the time for travel after a term of service of eight years, or a five months furlough in this country after a term of service of five years, the missionary paying his travel one way.”///// “The Board is not ready to say finally that it disapproves of your plan and it is accordingly willing to give the matter further consideration in the light of any arguments that you may present.” I quote also from the Board action mentioned in the same letter, “The Board felt that the way was not clear at this time to take the desired action but suggested that the Mission reconsider the matter at its next Annual Meeting.” To which you added, “Of course if we hear nothing further from you on the subject we shall understand that you wish the matter dropped, but if you wish it to go any further we shall expect some additional action and explanation on your part.”
At the next Annual Meeting of the Mission the matter was considered and the Medical Committee reported as follows,— “That the Board be requested to make the term of missionary service before the first furlough seven years.” (See minutes 1907, page 48) Medical Committee’s report, section 2.
Following this action at the meeting of the Executive Committee in January, the following was recommended to the Mission, adopted and sent to the Board, - (embodying as we believed the ideas of the Board letter of December 26'*', 1906 and the Mission action of 1907.)
I . That the regular term be eight years with one year in America.
II. That the Mission shall have the option of making the term seven years, in which case the period of furlough shall be not more than one year off the field.
III. That the Mission shall have the option of arranging for a furlough of seven months off the field ineluding period of travel, after four years, in which case the return expenses to the field shall be met by the Board.
IV. These furloughs shall be counted as regular furloughs and the succeeding regular term of service shall date from time of return. To this action we have in reply your letter of April 22"'*, 1906, which postpones action on the request, apparently because not practicable for the ensuing year and because it was ad interim action and because of fear of greater expense.
May I reply to this pointing out -
7/02/09 -p.2 S.A.M.
First,- That the request is not one for this fiscal year only or primarily to apply to this fiscal year but is for adoption as a principle to be applied, of course, only as soon as practicable which may well be the fiscal year following its adoption.
Second,- That while it is ad interim action it is action based upon the discussions of two Annual Meetings and the comments and suggestions of Board letter of December 26'*’, 1906, with less favorable terms than the Mission then proposed.
Third,- As to the expenses involved. There can be no more expense involved by the application of I and III than under present arrangement, and there is great probability of less expense being involved because if the seven months’ furlough off the field (III) is taken, not at the end of 4 but at the end of 5 or 6 years as may well be the case, then the next furlough can come only at the end of another four years for seven months’ furlough or eight years for regular furlough, making the time covered for a regular furlough period longer than at present. Under the adoption of II there may ^ one eighth more expense in certain cases, offset probably by the saving under III, and offset by the extra two months of service secured on the field; and more than offset by its application to cases where health considerations make it advisable to leave at the end of seven years, although without this option one would not apply for a medical certificate for health leave.
Fourth,- One great advantage to be gained by this plan is that it will enable us to arrange furloughs so as to occasion the least loss of efficient workers on the field,- so that two men from one station need not leave the same year. Next year is the year for Mr. Swallen and Mr. Blair to go home, the following year for Mr. Bemheisel and Mr. Lee. Doubtless under the system proposed we could avoid such a double vacancy.
Fifth,- Notice please that under III the amount of time and expense involved in two seven months’ furloughs in eight to ten years is no more than in one fourteen months’ furlough in eight years as at present.
Under such a system I think we should be able to avoid such situations as have occasioned us the practical loss of the time of many who, while not on furlough have been incapacitated for work for months and months by long semi-invalidism not warranting a medical certificate but laying them aside from full work for a year or two or more before time for regular furlough.
I personally believe the plan would give us larger returns in amount of work accomplished by the missionaries, less sickness, less waste of energy and that, in the long run, at no greater expense to the Board. I do not suppose you will care to act again upon this matter until after our Annual Meeting, at which time we shall probably renew our recommendations, but the Executive Committee desired that this letter should be written at once that the matter might be laid before you more clearly.
With kindest regards.
Yours very sincerely,
Samuel A. Moffett
The last class for the summer closes tomorrow and we have begun on the reports for the year. It has been a great year with by far the largest additions yet recorded. We shall report about 2000 adult baptisms in Pyeng Yang Station alone. We are still overcrowded and do so greatly need the College Buildings. Let us have word of appropriations for it from Propaganda Fund just as soon as decided upon, please.
S.A.M.
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #101)
Ingram, Pennsylvania Dear Dr. Brown;
July 15, 1909
E.H. Miller
Yesterday I received a letter from Dr. Moffett concerning the demands of the M.E.’s [Methodists] that we give them Chong Ju, and their threats that they would scatter all over Korea if we do not accede - or something like that. He also spoke of the danger that some of the Presbyterians might be frightened into giving up Chong Ju to prevent such an invasion.
Such a thing seemed an impossibility until I received his letter. It makes me fear now that the M.E’s might be able to frighten a number of our Mission into acceding to their demands. And I feel called to do all I can to show the Mission the truth about our position at C.J. [Chong Ju] and to withstand the Methodists. Should the Mission give up C.J., I am free from responsibility only if I have done aU I can to show them what I think is God’s will.
To this end, this evening I asked my physician here what he thought of my returning to Korea immediately. He examined me and found no reason for objection to my returning. Mrs. Miller & Anna are in good health, too.
Can you immediately obtain the Board’s consent to our return so that we may reach Korea by August 20* and have Mr. Day let us know what steamers leave the Pacific coast about July 30*, so we can let him know our preference? We prefer the northern route across the Pacific. We shall have to leave as soon as possible and must act promptly.
I enclose a letter written partly in June and partly yesterday about Chong Ju and the Methodist demands.
Yours sincerely, F.S. Miller
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #104)
Blairville, Tai-Tong River, Korea July 25, 1909 Samuel A. Moffett
[This name given by S.A. Moffett to a spot on the river where he has tied his houseboat]
Girlie Dearest:
Am having as good a time as is possible this summer - without you and the children - am getting a good rest and also getting some work done up.
Last Monday I took Mr. Kerr in, stayed over until Tuesday and came off again Tuesday bringing Mr. Bemheisel with me. Wednesday morning at the first sand bank I broke my glasses so went right back for my other pair and then found your letter - which I tell you I was glad to get.
Then we came on up the river slowly - stopping here and there - bathing and swimming, reading & playing and working too, for I had about 1 50 seminary exam papers to examine and have finished 100 of them on the way up - having Elder Chu along also to read the Korean to me, while I grade.
We reached here last evening in time for supper with the Lees and today are quietly resting. Lee thinks he is this year having the ideal rest - having all his boat houses put up on the bluff where they are in camp with two cooks to do all the work. Mrs. Lee is much better, which is fine - for she was pretty well tired out. We shall stay here a day or two longer and then go down again and get Mr. McMurtrie - or possibly Dr. Whiting, if he comes up from Chai Ryeng - in case the Hunts come to take our guest house & part of [the] house to keep house for a few weeks before Annual Meeting. I shall probably stay out until about 5th August and then go in for a run up to An Ju & Suk Chu to ordain elders before Presbytery.
Your letters are always a treat and 1 do so get my heart warmed up with all you tell me about Jamie Boy & Baby. Good for Jamie with his hatchet. When he comes back to Pyeng Yang he can help Chu SyePang cut kindling for the house. That is what Papa used to do when he was a boy - every Saturday when home from school.
Perhaps when I go back this time I’ll find Baby’s birthday photo and I wonder if I’ll know my own little baby boy! ! Have not yet heard from Dr. Brown as to whether the Board will give permission for me to leave in October for 4 months. The Mission has approved - with some dissenting. One does not think I ought to leave - since I am to be away next May-October. Another thinks that on such a trip - it should be taken at [one’s] own expense and without continuance of salary. What the Board will say I know not - but I hope for permission and then I can go if by last of September it seems best for me to go. If I go - then we can talk over the future together and see what it is best to plan.
We are likely to have a pretty lively Annual Meeting with some big questions up - and Dr. Brown comes out immediately after with authority to settle several big questions which involve Chong Ju Station, Fusan - etc., etc.
I fear, too, we are going to lose the McCunes from Pyeng Yang. They had a talk with me last week - showing they have reached a decision that they would like to go to Syen Chun for the school work there. The situation in the school in Pyongyang wears upon McCune too much and he is dissatisfied. What we will do without them I know not and perhaps some plan will yet turn up by which they stay.
There is also some talk of dividing our Mission into two missions - on account of its size
7/25/09 - p.2 S.A.M.
making it too hard to entertain Annual Meeting. Doubtless we shall have several interesting questions to deal with.
Your letter about Mother’s condition makes me long to be with you for a while to help you in meeting some of your problems. I do not know that I can write of them in a way to help you any. If after September 1st you can get Mother at home again you may be able to gradually talk to her about doing more for herself as a help to herself I hope you can convince Mother that the thing for her to do is to have herself & Father back in the old home to stay there permanently. Urge her to do this for Father’s sake and urge him to do this for Mother’s sake. They both ought to have the comforts of that home to which they have been accustomed so long. I am satisfied Mother will make a mistake if she uses any of the money for purchase of more property which will mean more expense all the time and the cutting down of her income bearing capital, which she ought to keep for an assured income in addition to rents which I fear have not always been as much as they seem to be on the surface. When you cut out taxes, insurance, repairs, interest on capital invested and deduct for months when unoccupied - I am not sure that the returns are as much as from the bonds.
Well, girlie, do just the best you can in these matters - making tremendous allowances for the fixed mental habits of years, which in later life are so apt to manifest themselves in a somewhat exaggerated form. Father, of course, will not talk with Mother very much about business matters - less so now than ever because he is dropping them into your hands - but if you find Dr. Landon or Mr. Carr good ones to talk to yourself, and wish to talk more freely to them - perhaps you can get Mother to talk over some things with one of them for she is much more likely to defer to a man’s business ideas. This is a suggestion for you to act upon if you think best - when you get to the point that you can’t manage situations satisfactorily.
What you need to watch is the unnecessary expenses here & there which you may cut off - in case the income seems to run too near being below the outgo. You will be guided, dearest - to do what is best. Above all - do not worry - there is enough to keep them in great comfort a great many years, even though you draw each year somewhat on the principal. The Lord will guide us and them - and someday we will see more clearly just how best to plan. Yes - 1 am homesick, dearest, and do not want the separation to continue but if I can get home to you this winter - 1 think the load will be lifted somewhat. A heart full of love to my wife and babies whom I long for.
Love to Fatherdy & Mother and a greeting to Nyum-ssi and Mrs. Rooney.
Lovingly, your own Sambo
Please buy and enclose a Money Order for $2.50 in the letter to Dr. Bates & mail same.
July 29: - Just in again - find Baby’s photo & your letter - good! ! Dr. Brown’s letter says Board gives permission for me to return in September for 4 months if Mission approves. Mission has approved. We’ll see about it.
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Houseboat on the Tai Tong
Sunday, August 8, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
My own Girlie Dearest:
This will show what a long stay 1 am making on the river but we are now ready to close up and go in and must get to work again. I have accomplished quite a little but have not caught up yet. Perhaps I can finish up when I go in - rested up after this long season of loafing. The bathing has been fine and has done me good and 1 do feel considerably stronger and more rested. 1 am feeling restive now and my conscience begins to take me to task so 1 think the signs are that 1 have been out long enough. This time have had Mr. McMurtrie with me and we came up past Blairville up to where the Swallens, Nobles [Methodist missionaries in Pyengyang] & M.E. Ladies [Methodist Episcopal] were, spending a little time with them and taking Gordon [possibly Gordon Avison?] back with us after he had had a fine time staying with the Swallens. The Swallens have gone down again to meet the Bairds, who have started out with John - [their older son] & Newland & Lizette Miller from Chefoo [probably the Bairds were bringing the three young folk home from school in Chefoo]. The Swallens will take Lizette and they will be out only a short time.
1 don’t know just what is the matter with me that 1 have no more enthusiasm or energy or vim than I have - nor just why I have grown so indifferent to many things. I think it is just because 1 am not myself without you and nothing seems right and I don’t know how to find myself Am not looking forward to Annual Meeting or next year’s work with any great pleasure or interest and everything seems to have lost its “Charm” [Korean word meaning “engaging character” or “pleasure”] for the time being. Hope this feeling does not continue much longer for I do not like it and it is not my nature to be indifferent.
Just as I left home last time 1 added a sentence or two to my letter saying 1 had received the photographs of baby. They are fine and just what 1 want to make a companion piece for those of Jamie.
How 1 have longed for Jamie on this trip and when the old boatman who was with us last year - this year with Swallens - asked me about Jamie, I tell you it made me homesick.
1 am finding it pretty hard to decide just what to do this fall. I want to go to you - even though the time with you will be so short - and yet I sympathize with the feeling of some that I ought not leave unless I have to. Then at times it seems to me that I have to - whatever the situation here. Developments at Annual Meeting may however help me to decide and in the meantime we can simply keep on seeking for clear leading. How we do need each other these days to help each the other in solving the problems confronting us. How much easier it would be to decide if only we could have a day or two together to discuss matters in all their bearings. I think your suggestion about a code for use anytime after September 15th is a good one - for from that time on 1 ought to have a cable message from you - if the way should seem clear for you to return any time before Christmas - and failing such a message 1 should be able to cable you in case I decide to leave for home without having been able to write you somewhat in advance. If however any time before October 1st you see the way clear for you to return before Christmas I do not think I ought to leave here - unless conditions are such that you think I ought to be there anyhow. Will try to prepare and add a code to this letter and in the meantime if you prepare and send me one we can use either one. Be sure to keep a copy of the one you send me.
Have been having good times in the water up here and re-leaming some of my boyhood swimming traits. What swimmers these boys and girls are - Gordon [Avison?], Wilbur & Gertrude [Swallen] are just like ducks in the water. The boat house - to my mind is the best outing for the children yet discovered - although some are getting tired of it they say - and talk of houses on the bluffs - a la - Blairville, or a cottage on the sea shore, etc., etc. I hope we can give our boys several summers up here and teach them to swim & row and live outdoors.
8/08/09 -p.2 S.A.M.
When you get a chance - invest in a first rate proper bathing suit for yourself and a two-piece one (trousers and overlapping jacket or whatever it is called) for me - color navy blue dark. We must have them and be properly equipped hereafter. I am borrowing Lee’s old one this summer. Also, get yourself a pair of sandals - same make as those open work ones of Jamie’s, that you can wear without stockings to protect your feet when walking over a stony beach. Mrs. Noble has a pair which are just the thing for up river. The time to get such things is when you think of them and then they are on hand for use when the time comes and it is too late to order them.
We have had most tremendous rains this year and the river higher than I have ever known but once before. One whole village was washed into the river by a landslide and a number of people drowned. Some were rescued as they floated down the river - ten I believe at Pyeng Yang one of them an 18 year-old girl - found floating down in a “t5k” [ceramic kimche pot]. The rains are apparently over - but it is hot and must be oppressively so in P.Y. [Pyongyang]. Next Sunday I shall probably be in An Ju to ordain some elders & dedicate a fine new church. All my old work comes back to me this year with Blair away.
Three days ago Dr. Brown [Arthur Judson Brown, N.Y. Board Secretary] and a party of new missionaries will have sailed on the Korea. Wonder if you saw them? This week you will be celebrating Father’s birthday again. How Jamie will enjoy it and I expect he will be able to remember it in after years. I want him to have some things firmly fixed in his memory that he may always have Grandpa a factor in his life - helping to mold his own character. Give Fatherdy an affectionate greeting from me - and next year I may be able to return from Edinburgh in time to help him celebrate his 80th birthday.
Did I write you that the chairs came safely? They are fine and I will have them in the church in about two weeks when we begin fall work again. Let me know just how much you paid out in addition to what you received from others. How about the prices of the rugs? I think you have written nothing as yet. I paid out a bill for freight, duty, etc. to Steward [a Chinese merchant who imported groceries and other merchandise. He was always called Steward, for he had served as a steward on a ship] for them & the chairs. There was one enormous rug for Mrs. Curtis. Are there some for us or were all sold?
A loving greeting to Mother. I shall be glad to feel inside of a month that she is back again in comfort in the old home. Will direct my next letter there. This may catch you at 208 A. [the smaller rented home they moved into for the summer].
Give Jamie lots of love from Papa and tell him how I miss him but how glad I am to hear he is such a good boy. Papa’s kiss to the baby and a heart full of love to my own precious girlie.
Lovingly,
Sam
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Anju, Korea
probably written between Aug. 8 and Aug. 14, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
[incomplete letter to his wife, Alice Fish Moffett, parts of which were later copied in S.A.M.’s handwriting among other notes in a notebook he kept.]
Have had another pleasant surprise here - in that one of the men received as catechumen who has started a new group 20 li from here - is a man with whom I talked 6 years ago at An Ju, giving him a copy of Mark’s Gospel which he still has and which he has read over & over again.
It always does me good to run across fruit from the sowing of the days before the war - when the work was under very different and much harder circumstances than now. We never know when the harvest is coming but these instances becoming pretty frequent show the value of incessant preaching everywhere to everyone.
(from the Alice Moffett Starkey collection of Moffett papers)
San Rafael, California
August 12, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
My own Dearest,
Writing time has been crowded full and I think I have only a few minutes if this is to make the steamer, so it can be only a message of love. I love you and long for you more than ever before. I am so homesick that I am not good for much here. It still seems as if we can go before long. I am planning to sail Sept. 8th if possible (S.S. Manchuria, scheduled to leave Kobe Sept. 28th) but I shall hold myself ready to stay up till the last if that is clearly my duty - and shall cable you accordingly. Shall try to have all as ready as possible for sailing before we move. Do not yet know who will be here in my place as I heard only today that Julia, Uncle Henry’s daughter, cannot come. It is still possible that Lucia Hester [first cousin of Alice who later became the second Mrs. Samuel A. Moffett and mother of Sam, Howard and Tom] may come or that Matilda, Mrs. Algren, may be my substitute.
I have had an offer for the West End property and will sell it if all details can be arranged. Hope this will be completed in the next few days.
We are all well - Mother is still at the sanitarium but expects to come home Sept. 1st. The children are both well - and Father seems just the same.
I do hope you have had a good rest on the river and feel equal to Annual Meeting. Oh how I want - so many things, but most of all you, my dear husband.
Kisses from the boys and all my love
from
Your
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
August 14, 1909
Samuel A. Moffett
Alice My Dearest:
Today Annual Meeting excitement begins - for our own stations classes begin together in preliminary to the meetings last of next week. Bairds & Swallens come in from [the] river this morning.
This afternoon the Curtises come back from Japan. Miss Snook arrives from America this afternoon - and McCune will come today or Monday from his Vladivostock trip. Dr. Wells comes from a visit to [the] mines on Tuesday and from Wednesday on each day will bring the guests.
I am leaving this afternoon for An Ju to be gone over Sunday to ordain elders before Presbytery. Monday I go to Seoul for Executive Committee meeting with [the] Methodists on Division of Territory - and will return on Thursday. Did not want to leave at this time but [I] have to - if we are to have any meeting at all with [the] Methodists.
Your good letter of July 17th reached me Tuesday night the 10th - quickest time yet. Am so glad you saw Mr. Innes. He may yet do great things for us here.
Dr. Avison writes McCune that Mr. Severance has promised $20,000 (¥40,000) for development of his hospital & medical school. What he is yet to do for the Girls School & College in Seoul we do not know. [I] hear that he wants each girl to have a suite of rooms with bath room attached!!!
We shall probably have some difficult questions to meet this Annual Meeting and I wish you were here to help me in meeting them. I shall feel lost without you. We have been having heavy rains - another long steady one for the past two days.
Received the Cannas when I came in from [the] river and planted them at once - Do not know whether they will live or not - though most of them seemed to be alive yet. I got a good lot of Korean lilacs up river and have planted them. Some will doubtless live. Our one big bush was a beauty this year.
We have had a fine garden - and Chu Sye Pang has felt so sorry you were not here to get the benefit of it. The servants are eagerly asking about your return and are feeling your absence pretty keenly. Won Si is homesick for you. So am I - so dreadfully homesick that I do not know just what to do. I want you and I want my babies. McAfee [baby George McAfee McCune] - Charles K [the Bemheisel baby] & Henry [Wells], etc. make me so hungry for my little ones that I hardly dare allow myself to think much about it.
A whole heartful of love to you and to them and a loving message to Fatherdy & Mother.
Thank Nyum-ssi for her letter to me and tell her how thankful I am she is helping you so much.
Your own
Sambo
B/L [bill of lading] for Chinaware, etc. received today.
This goes to the old home where I hope you are and are to stay. Tell Mother from me that in my judgment it is due to Father to give him the old home his last days.
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyengyang, Korea
August 27, 1909
Graham Lee
FORE-WORD.
Korea has been ealled the land of the morning ealm, and from a elimatic standpoint the name is no misnomer; but during the last twenty-five years, from a political standpoint, morning calm has been conspicuous by its absence.
Protestant Christianity began its work in the midst of bloodshed and terror, when an American missionary physician with his surgical skill and Christian courage opened the way for the Gospel in Korea. Twice in these twenty-five years the country has resounded with the shots of hostile forces as great nations contended for supremacy here.
In the midst of all this the work of the Presbyterian Mission North has gone on apace, and during these twenty-five years the work has grown, until today there are in our mission alone, twenty-five thousand communicants and nearly one hundred thousand adherents. To God belongs the glory, and we who have had a part in this work, thank Him for the great privilege it has been to see what our eyes have seen of the power of His Gospel.
Today, all over this land, from Fusan in the South, to the foot of Paik-tu-san “the ever white mountain,” in the North, in the valleys and on the mountain tops, can be heard the songs of Christian Koreans whose hearts are glad with the joy that comes from a faith in Jesus Christ.
As we look down the vista of the next twenty-five years, we pray God that we may be so faithful to our trust, that those who celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of mission work in this land, may be able to look upon the results attained with even greater joy than that which animates our hearts today.
Graham Lee
(from bound book of Quarto Centennial papers, Korea Mission of the PCUSA, Annual Meeting in Pyengyang, Korea, August 27, 1909)
Pyengyang, Korea
August 27, 1909
Samuel Austin Moffett
EVANGELISTIC WORK Samuel A. Moffett, D.D.
The first Protestant Missionary to enter Korea was a Scotch Presbyterian, the Rev. Mr. Thomas who, in 1865, as a colporteur of the Scottish Bible Society, from a Chinese junk scattered Chinese Scriptures along the coast of Whang Hai province, and in 1866, when connected with the London Missionary Society, came to Pyeng Yang on the “General Sherman” bringing with him Chinese Scriptures. He perished with the crew of that vessel being cut to pieces and burned on the bank of the river just below the city, but not until he had given out the copies of the New Testament which he had. The writer has met some of those who received these books and among the early catechumens received was one whose father had for years had one of these books in his house. It was in 1866 that the “General Sherman” and her crew perished, the only now known relic here being the chains binding the pillars in the pavilion above the East Gate.
From 1873 to 1881 missionaries of the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland living in Manchuria became interested in Koreans traveling there and among these the Gospel seed was sown. In 1876 Rev. John McIntyre baptized the first Korean converts, natives of Eui Ju, one of whom, Mr. Yi, translated the Gospel of Luke in 1883 with Rev. John Ross and later in 1886 finished the whole New Testament which was published in 1887. Another of these converts, Mr. Paik Hong Choon, became a colporteur and afterward the first Helper or Evangelist in Eui Ju.
In 1881 Rev. John Ross then of New Chwang baptized eighty five Korean men in the northern valleys in Manchuria and in 1884 baptized some more in the same valleys. Among these was Mr. Saw Sang Yoon, one of the first Colporteurs and Helpers in the work in Seoul and recently an evangelist in the Severance Hospital.
This latter year saw the establishment of the American Presbyterian Mission in Seoul, Horace N. Allen, M.D. and his wife arriving September 20"', 1884, followed by Rev. Horace G. Underwood who arrived April S"*, 1885, and J.W. Heron, M.D. and his wife June 2P‘, 1885. Dr. Allen established the first hospital in Seoul. In 1886 Mr. Underwood baptized the first converts of the Korea Mission and for the first time administered the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
In 1887 Mr. Underwood inaugurated those long itinerating tours which, followed by the whole Mission, have been such a factor in the spread of Christianity throughout Korea. That year he went through Pyeng Yang to Eui Jui. In 1888 he visited Sorai baptizing seven men there and establishing the Church in western Whang Hai province. That year he located a Colporteur there, one in Eui Ju and one near Pyeng Yang. In 1889 with his wife he again made a long tour north going as far as Kang Kei.
In 1889 our Board reappointed Dr. Allen “with a view to opening a missionary station at the port of Fusan” and in 1890 Rev. J.H. Davies of the Australian Presbyterian Mission journeyed through Choong Chung and Chulla provinces to Fusan with a view to opening a station in the south. He died of pneumonia and small pox in Fusan. Mr. Gale in 1889 toured the Kyeng Sang provinces. In 1890 Rev. S.A. Moffett was appointed to work in Whang Hai and Pyeng An provinces with a view to opening a station north of Seoul, making a journey to Pyeng Yang, staying two weeks, and through Whang Hai province. In 1891 Messrs. Moffett and Gale spent three months touring through Pyeng An province to the Manchurian valleys, to the region beyond Kang Kei down through Ham Kyeng province to Gensan and via Kang Won provinee back to Seoul. Thus by May 1891 the Presbyterian Missionaries had proclaimed the Gospel in every province of Korea and had formed plans for the opening of new stations. In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Baird moved to Fusan.
In 1892 Mr. and Mrs. Gale opened Gensan station and in 1893 Mr. Moffett took up his residence in Pyeng Yang, while Choong Chung and Chulla provinces were assigned to the Southern Presbyterians who had
arrived in 1892.
8/27/1909 - p.2 S.A.M.
Extensive itineration has always characterized our Mission. It has been a Mission of itinerators always reaching out to regions not yet touched with the Gospel, establishing and visiting groups of believers in the cities and villages within the territory of the central stations. On all itinerating trips and by means of Colporteurs simple tracts and copies of the Gospels or of the New Testament were given wide distribution, the policy of selling rather than giving away all but sheet tracts, proving a great blessing to the work and having a great influence in developing the policy of self-support in that it led men in the beginning to expect to bear their own burdens. The Bible Societies and their Colporteurs under the direction of the missionaries have sown the seed broadcast. The Tract Society owes its establishment in 1890 to Dr. J.W. Heron at whose suggestion the Chairman of our Mission called a meeting of all Missions in Seoul which resulted in its organization. This Society has published thousands of evangelistic tracts; among them, the simple tracts early prepared by Dr. Underwood; “The Two Friends” and “Discourse on Salvation” prepared by Dr. Moffett, and the sheet tracts of Mr. F.S. Miller together with Dr. Griffith John’s tracts in Chinese have been of incalculable influence in preparing for the rich harvest of souls which has been reaped. One great agent in the distribution of this literature has been the activity of the Christians in buying and reselling tracts and books all through the country, - at market towns and in their own shops.
The Mission and the Church have been marked preeminently by a fervent evangelistic spirit, a thorough belief in the Scriptures as the word of God and in the Gospel message of Salvation from sin through Jesus Christ, and have based the appeals to men upon the great spiritual advantages and blessings of Christianity as pre-eminently the advantages which Christianity has to offer. The Evangelization of the whole country has therefore always been kept in the forefront. The methods employed have been a natural development of policies applied, as it were, experimentally, which have developed and expanded as the work grew until they became outstanding features adapted to the needs of Korea and adopted and applied from station to station. The widespread preaching of the Gospel message in its simplicity by the missionaries and the conviction on the part of the Korean Christians that those who are not doing personal work in trying to bring others to Christ do not show sufficient evidence of faith to warrant their admission to the Church, has developed a Church all on fire with evangelistic zeal, voluntarily going forth to spread the news and to win people to faith in Christ. This standard was set in the early days by Yi Yung En, one of Korea’s greatest evangelistic workers, - now with the Lord. Street preaehing to crowds has not been a great factor in the work in Korea, but the method developed here which is the better adapted to the Korean people is the daily, constant, natural and informal conversation, with individuals, with small groups of people, in friendly intereourse by the wayside, in the inns, on the street, in the eountry villages, and particularly in the “sarangs” or reception rooms where it is the custom of the men to gather to diseuss all questions of business, politics, gossip, etc. Thus the great body of the converts in Korea are handpieked men, gathered by personal work with individuals.
The Bible itself has of course been pre-eminently the greatest factor in evangelization, as it is in all countries - but it has certainly occupied a rather unique position in the work in Korea, and the Korean Church derives its power, its spirituality, its great faith in prayer, its liberality, from the fact that the whole Church has been, as it were, saturated with a knowledge of the Bible. The Bible Study and Training Classes constitute the most unique and most important factor in the development of the Korean Church. In these have been laid the foundations of faith and knowledge, while in the preaching services have been developed the spirit of worship and here too the Church has received its inspiration for its spiritual activities.
Right here our gratitude to Dr. Nevius should be expressed, for from him came the seed thoughts of two great principles in our work - the Bible Training Class system and self support. In the early days Dr. Underwood had a conference with Dr. Nevius and invited him to come to Korea for a conference with the missionaries. I remember well that visit in 1890 when from his twenty five years of experienee he talked to
8/27/1909 - p.3 S.A.M.
us young men and planted in our hearts the seed thoughts of main principles. From these talks and from his book “Methods of Mission Work” the Korea Mission has derived inestimable profit - although in the development of these ideas local conditions and our experience in adapting the methods to meet different circumstances have led to great modifications.
1 remember well our first Bible Training Class, a class of seven men held in a little room at the southwest comer of Dr. Underwood’s compound. Two men came from the north, two from Sorai in Whang Hai province and three from Seoul. The burden of instmction rested upon Mr. Gifford, and after two weeks of study these Helpers again went forth to their work. From that day to this these classes have gradually developed into our “Bible Training Class System.” Of this system Mr. Hunt has written, - “The education of the whole Church, all its membership, young and old, literate and illiterate is being undertaken systematically, and largely by training classes in which the textbook is the Bible. Some of these are representative in character, the attendance coming from every part of the field, others are local, meant only for the members of a particular group. Some are attended only by men, others only by women, but in most of the country classes both men and women are taught, though in separate divisions. Sometimes these classes are taught entirely by the missionaries, or by the missionary and several Helpers, but more often by the Helpers alone. Bible study is the object of the class but prayer, conferences and practical evangelistic effort are prominent parts of the work. - The Christians have learned that it is only right to put aside their occupations for several weeks each year for the special study of the word of God. - This method is honoring to God’s Word and teaches all the authority of God in their lives. His Word rather than that of the Helper or the Missionary early becoming the Christian’s rule of faith and practice. This method of education tends to bring about a natural understanding between the rank and file and the Leaders, Helpers and Missionaries, so unifying the young Church that it presents a united front and is made more of a power in the midst of heathenism. The surest way to make a distinction between the Church and the world is to set men to study the Bible and to preach its truths. This system is cumulative in its results. - It makes of the Church an army skilled in the use of God’s word. Among the many advantages of these classes is that they afford an occasion to develop qualities of future leadership. Opportunities for preliminary training and trial as well as for more careful selection are almost without end.”
These central classes have grown from that first class of seven to classes for men of 800 in Taiku, 350 in Tong Nai (Fusan), 500 in Seoul, 1000 in Pyeng Yang, 1000 in Chai Ryung, and 1300 in Syen Chun; while for women - Taiku has had 500, Kim Hai (Fusan) 150, Seoul 300, Chai Ryung 500, Pyeng Yang 600 and Syen Chun 651, some of the women walking 100 to 200 miles in order to attend.
Classes for men and for women are arranged for so far as possible in every Church and group throughout the Mission - the attendance running from 5 up to 500 in these country classes, a large force of the better instructed men and women of the Churches being detailed to this work as teachers. These classes become regular power houses generating spiritual electricity which goes out through the whole Church.
This year Chai Ryung station reports 262 Bible Training Classes with 13,967 enrolled, Pyeng Yang reports 292 classes with 13, 967 enrolled, Syen Chyun had 1 1 1 classes, and with those of the other stations we have probably held this year over 800 classes with an attendance of some 50,000 men and women. Their influence is beyond estimate.
It is in these classes our Christian workers are first trained and developed and here that the Colporteurs, Evangelists, Helpers and Bible women are discovered and appointed to work. It was in these classes that there developed the remarkable movement for the subscription of so many days of preaching according to which the Christians spend the subscribed days in going about the surrounding villages from house to house telling the story of the Gospel. This originated a few years ago with the Koreans themselves in two country classes in the same month, after which it spread all through the country until tens of thousands of days of preaching were subscribed. One class of 35 men in Fusan Station was reported by Mr.
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Sidebotham as having subscribed 900 days of preaching and a class in Syen Chyun Station subscribed 2200 days. There are no accurate statistics given of this, but it is probable that in one year as many as 40,000 or 50,000 days have been subscribed. In some sections it has become the custom to set aside a certain fifteen days in the winter for a concerted movement of the Churches in preaching to unevangelized sections or villages. Mr. Blair reports that on one circuit 45 men voluntarily gave themselves up to prayer and direct preaching for ten days at their own expense, leading many to Christ and forming new groups where the Gospel had not previously taken hold. In connection with these classes also evangelistic services are held and many won to Christ.
It was in one of these classes in Syen Chyun that the idea of a Missionary Society had its origin as Mr. [GrahamJLee gave them an address on the subject of evangelizing the unreached people. This was in 1901; that year in Pyeng Yang the Missionary Society was organized and for several years carried on Mission work in northern Korea and in Choong Chung province. In 1907, with the organization of the Presbytery, this gave way to the Presbytery’s Committee of Missions for the whole country and to a number of local societies which undertook local evangelization. The Presbytery’s Committee began its work with the sending of Rev. Yee Kee Poong and wife and Helper Kim to the Island of Quelpart for the evangelization of the 1 00,000 Koreans there and this year 1 909, sends Rev. Chay Quan Hool to Siberia to minister to the Christian Koreans who have gone there and to evangelize the 500,000 Koreans reported to be in Russian territory. The Syen Chyun local society also places a worker among the Koreans in Manchuria. Rev. Han Syek Chin has this year visited the Koreans in Tokyo, - Deacon Pang Wha Choong has been working among the Koreans in California and recently visited Mexico where he reports 400 Korean Christians in Yucatan bearing witness to the Yucatecs of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It was out of these classes that in 1907 grew the remarkable revival, accounts of which have stirred the whole Church. In 1902 and 1903 special Bible classes for business men in Pyeng Yang were held at the New Year season. In connection with this class in 1904 special Evangelistic services were held at night.
The city was divided into districts and volunteers under leadership of missionaries made systematic daily visitation of every house in the city. Forenoons were spent in Bible Study, afternoons in a prayer service and in house to house visitation, going two by two with invitations and sheet tracts. At night the church was filled, several hundred unbelievers being present. 96 professed conversion. The next night 2000 people came and Christians retired to give place to unbelievers. Then afternoon services for women and night services for men were held. 75 more professed conversion. Then the conflict of the Japan- Russian war with both armies approaching Pyeng Yang caused the city to be almost deserted, so that the meetings were discontinued, but not until a profound impression had been made. In 1905 the same plans were followed in connection with this city class with a similar response. Each night from 20 to 60 names were given in of those who had reached a decision, until in both Churches over 1000 had taken their stand for Christ. Following this on one Sabbath alone 247 catechumens were publicly received.
In 1906 the scenes of the previous year were repeated in the now four churches, the city being once more thoroughly canvassed by personal workers while hundreds more made profession of faith in Christ. In the Fall of 1906 the Spirit of Prayer came upon the missionaries themselves and there was earnest crying out for a deeper and richer blessing upon the classes of the coming winter. Then in January 1907 during the last days of the Bible Training Class in the evening evangelistic services there came the public manifestation of the Spirit’s presence. In these meetings men realized the terrible consequences of sin, the suffering that sin had brought upon the sinless Christ, His love in dying for them, and they agonized, some of them almost unto death. Relief came when they realized their complete forgiveness. The city churches, then the schools, advanced and primary, then the country groups, then college and academy students returning from vacation all passed through these experiences. The same deep conviction of sin, the agonizing in prayer, the joy of relief were experienced in city training classes, in the Woman’s Bible Institute, and then in the Theological Seminary and Men’s Bible Institute which followed.
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The Spirit of God manifested Himself in wonderful ways and brought about a cleansing of the Church and a new consecration, a new power and a new joy in the hearts of thousands. Mr. Lee went to the Syen Chyun class, Mr. Hunt to Taiku, Mr. Swallen to Kwang Ju, and pastor Kil to Seoul and Eui Ju, and then this work of the Spirit spread from church to church, from station to station until the whole country witnessed a remarkable manifestation of the power of the Spirit of God to move the hearts of men.
Mr. Goforth of China visited Korea at this time, and, afterwards as he led evangelistic services in Manchuria and gave this testimony there, the spirit of God wrought a similar great revival in Manchuria and in many parts of China.
How wonderfully God honors the study of His Word and what a spiritual power in His work is Prayer and the Sword of the Spirit!
The Korean Church has developed as a SELF-SUPPORTING CHURCH and the Koreans have shown marked liberality and strength of Christian conviction and character in the way in which they have met the financial burdens placed upon them. They have built their own church buildings and primary school buildings. Out of 840 church buildings in the work of our mission alone not more than 20 are known to have received any foreign funds for their erection, a few of the very large buildings having received aid to the extent of not more than one-third of the cost. Of 589 primary school buildings, practically all have been provided from Korean funds. Of the 1052 native workers on salary, 94% are supported by the Koreans. It has not been easy to secure nor to maintain this policy of self-support and the temptations to depart from it have been many and frequent but its great value has been appreciated more and more both by missionary and Korean. Now none rejoice in it more than the Koreans themselves who realize what an element it has been in the development of individual character and the strength of the church. They themselves enforce it in their own missionary work in Quelpart and Siberia. The Bible Societies now testify to the value to their work of this policy of self-support. Scriptures and tracts are sold not given away.
The Korean Church of our mission in 1 1 months of this year has contributed for all purposes exclusive of hospital receipts, the sum of $8,1075.17 U.S. Gold. The stories of self sacrifice and liberality which might be told in connection with this phase of the work would fill a volume.
Women have given their wedding rings, their hair, their ornaments; families have sold their rice and bought millet to eat in order to give the difference to the Lord’s work; hundreds give a tenth, many as much as one-third of their incomes.
THE CATECHUMENATE has been a helpful feature in the work.
In 1890 when a few candidates for baptism were examined and then assigned to individual missionaries for two weeks special instruction before baptism we had no thought of a permanent catechumen system, but in 1891 [when] we reported 15 catechumens, the idea was developed; and in 1893 catechumens were publicly received and enrolled in Pyeng Yang and after 3 months daily instruction, some of them were baptized. There are no mission statistics of catechumens until 1896 but in 1894 Pyeng Yang reported 40, and in 1895, 180 catechumens, showing that the system was then well under way. In 1896 the mission reported 2000; in 1902, 5968; in 1906, 1 1025, and this year we have a total of 23,800 enrolled. The time of instruction was extended to 6 months and then to a year and now men are often under instruction for 2 or even 4 years before receiving baptism. Not so at first, but now few are received even as catechumens until after 3 months attendance upon church services in addition to the giving up of heathen practices and a public profession of repentance of sin and of their acceptance of Christ.
The catechumen system encourages new believers and secures oversight and more thorough
instruction before reception into the church.
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Another plan for the spiritual oversight of members and catechumens should be mentioned here. A Sabbath in Philadelphia in Mr. Wanamaker’s Bible Class with its captains of tens and captains of hundreds suggested the idea, and there was started in March 1901 the system of Kwon Chals or Leaders of tens by which a Kwon Chal takes cognizance of and has oversight of all that pertains to the spiritual interests of those assigned to him. He instructs, exhorts, encourages and comforts, and reports to the Elders or Officers of the church. Often monthly meetings of the Officers with these Leaders are held. This system is now pretty well established in the larger churches throughout the country, and being capable of many modifications to meet varying conditions is proving a great help in seeuring efficient and systematic oversight. The more thorough the instruction before baptism and the higher the standard set and the more faithfully discipline is administered the smaller will be the number of communicants reported in the early stages of work, but the larger will they likely be in later years.
In 1886 Mr. Underwood baptized the first converts and in that year 9 communicants were reported. In 1887 there were 25, in 1888, 65; in 1889, 104; in 1890, 100; in 1891, 119; [again reported] in 1891, 127; in 1892, 127; in 1893, 141; in 1894, the year of the Japan-China war there were 236 communicants. Up till this time the growth had been steady but slow, as it was a time of preparation and of the development and settlement of policies, but when by this war the whole nation was shaken from its lethargy and extreme conservatism, the Church with solid foundations laid was in position to take advantage of the situation so that from this time on there has been both steady and rapid development with no retrogression.
By 1900 there were 3690 communicants; in 1905 there were 9756, and now in 1909, the Quarter Centennial year, we report 25,057 communicants, 1000 for each year and 57 to spare. The adherents of our Mission alone number 96,668. There are 965 congregations, ranging in number from little village groups of 15 up to large country Churches of from 300 to 650, and on up to the city congregations of 1000 in the Chai Ryung Church, 1200 in Taiku, 1200 in Seoul Yun Mot Kol Church, 1500 in Syen Chyun, and, until its recent division into two Churches, 2500 in Pyeng Yang Central Church, necessitating separate meetings for men and women as the Church will accommodate but 1700.
Seoul has 4 Presbyterian Churches, Pyeng Yang has 5, Eui Ju has 2, while in the one county of Pyeng Yang there are 51 churches; in Eui Ju county, 42 churches, in Mil Yang county, 24 churches, and with Yang Tang church as a center in Nyong Shyun county, there are 20 churches with 3000 believers within a radius of ten miles. In many counties the whole population is within 3 miles of a church.
While the missionaries have set the example in fervent evangelistic zeal and unwearied itineration and have sought to develop that spirit in the Christians, yet under the Spirit of God, to the Koreans is due the credit for the great bulk of the evangelistic work and for the great ingatherings of souls. The training of the Helpers and Leaders of the Church, men and women, in the Bible Classes has been the great instrument in this work. From the early days of close association with the itinerating Missionary and from the years of instruction in the Bible Training Classes these Workers have received their equipment for service.
Practically every Helper and Evangelist has been first trained as Deacon or Leader in a local Church, then tried as a Helper and given more and more important work to care for according to his development.
Leading the Churches, studying and teaching in classes, conducting Church and prayer meeting services, preaching voluntarily in villages, doing personal work, receiving instruction in special classes for Church officers, and bearing heavy responsibilities, these Helpers, by a process of selection have come to be a body of well instructed, consecrated, efficient, helpful, reliable men upon whom is resting the burden of the work. In 1903 a special course of instruction for Helpers was adopted. From these men and from these special classes has naturally developed a Theological Seminary. In 1901 two men were received as candidates for the ministry and started on a five years course of study. They were Kim Chong Sup and Pang Kee Chang,
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both of whom were ordained elders in the Central Chureh, Pyeng Yang. In 1903 four more men were received and this class of six was instructed in Pyeng Yang in the first year’s work of a tentative course adopted that year by the Presbyterian Council. In 1904 the Council endorsed the plan for Theological instruction proposed by the Pyeng Yang Committee of Council recommending the appointment of additional instructors from all the Presbyterian Missions. In 1905 a class of eight men in the third year’s course and fourteen men in the first year’s course were given instruction. In 1906 there were three classes enrolling 50 students in attendance. The year 1907 witnessed an attendance of 76 students and the graduation on June 20'*' of the first class of seven men who had satisfactorily completed the five year’s course of study of three months each and of nine months each of active participation in teaching of classes, evangelistic preaching and pastoral care of Churches.
With the graduation of this class and their ordination on September 17* by the Presbytery organized that year, it was realized that we had developed a Theological Seminary, and so the Council gave it its name: “THE PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY OF KOREA.’’
This Seminary represents the 4 Presbyterian bodies at work in Korea, the Missions of the Northern and Southern Presbyterian Churches of America, and those of the Canadian and Australian Presbyterian Churches.
In 1908 there were 98 men in attendance in four classes, and in 1909 a full complement of five classes with an enrollment of 138 men, eight of whom graduated and were then ordained by the Presbytery. The 15 graduates are all supported by the Korean Churches to which they minister or by the Korean missionary society.
Until men were prepared for ordination to the ministry, the government of the Church in Korea was administered by the Council of Presbyterian Missions in Korea, which organized Churches and had oversight of all ecclesiastical procedure through an easily adjusted system of rules and committees so arranged as to naturally develop the Churches along Presbyterian lines and lead up to the organization of the Presbytery. In 1907, when there were seven graduates of the Seminary ready for ordination there were 40 fully organized Churches with ordained elders. Elders from 36 of these Churches and the Missionaries, with the consent of the General Assemblies of the Home Churches, were organized into a Presbytery September 17*, which the same day proceeded to the examination and ordination to the ministry of these seven men. Thus as a distinct branch of the Church fully organized and independent there was formed “THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN KOREA.’’
Upon the completion of twenty five years of Evangelistic work in Korea, this Church in 1909 reports 31,327 communicants, 3648 baptized children, 30,489 catechumens, with a total of 1 19, 380 adherents, meeting in 1539 congregations, (80 of these being fully organized Churches with ordained elders), having 1184 Church buildings. The Church was this year enrolled with the Pan Presbyterian Alliance as one of the distinct and independent Presbyterian Churches of the world. Thus this Church which was first self-propagating, then self-supporting became also self-governing.
Just one more paragraph. - 1 have been asked time and again by word and by letter, “What is the secret of the great success of the evangelistic work in Korea?” I do not know that any one can answer that question other than to say that according to His own wise plans and purposes God has been pleased to pour forth His Spirit upon the Korean people and to call out a Church of great spiritual power in which to manifest His grace and His power to the accomplishment of what as yet is not fully revealed. I should like, however, to see this twenty fifth anniversary impress upon our hearts and upon the heart of the Church at home the fact that the one great God-given means for the Evangelization of a people is His own Word, and that the emphasis which has been placed upon the teaching and preaching of the Word of God has brought
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God’s own blessing upon the work in Korea. The one great commanding feature of the work in Korea has been the position, the supreme position, the perhaps almost unexampled position given to instruction in the Scriptures as the very Word of God and the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.
With the Word of God in its hands may the Korean Church go forward to fulfill the vision given to Pastor Kil in 1906 when he placed before his congregation of 1500 this missionary vision, - “May we soon carry the Gospel to all parts of our owm land and then may it be granted us to do for China’s millions still in darkness what the American Christians have done for us - send missionaries to tell them the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.”
(from the Quarto Centennial Papers read before THE KOREA MISSION of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. at THE ANNUAL MEETING in Pyeng Yang, August 27, 1909 and published with other papers in a bound volume , pp. 14 - 29, in the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyengyang, Korea
August 27, 1909
Horace G. Underwood
REMINISCENCES Dr. H.G. Underwood, D.D.
I am beginning to realize that old age brings its honors when 1 am asked to give reminiscences in the presence of this August body; and I appreciate the courage and spirit of self-sacrifice which has enabled your committee to make such a request, and I hope that you are all fiilly prepared to take the consequences, for it is always dangerous to start a garrulous old timer on such a line.
As I look aroimd on this gathering I carmot but feel however that it is fitting that I should receive this appointment, as my memory of things Korean goes back further than that of any of my hearers; b ut it must b e remembered that 1 am not the “father of the mission,” for of the Presbyterian trio who first came to Korea, it was the sainted Dr. J.W. Heron who had the honor of being the first protestant missionary appointed to this field, although the fact that Dr. Allen was in Shanghai, made it so that he, the last appointed, was the first to arrive.
Interesting perhaps, but certainly profitless discussions as to these firsts are sometimes carried on, but these distinctions are so minute that even now they are almost imperceptible. The Rev. H.G. Appenzeller, of the M.E. mission, and I, landed in Korea on the same day, but he now with others whose memories are tenderly cherished by both native Christians and fellow workers of whom we think with mingled envy and sorrow, standing among that cloud of witnesses, looks down upon Korea, we believe, with a clearer vision of the future than any of us, and rejoices with us in the work of Grace already accomplished here.
But even for us who remain, as we view this land today and see all that God has done, the first overwhelming and inspiring thought is that all this has come to pass during a part of the lifetime of a comparatively young man, and little though the share he has had in the real work may be, he thanks God that he has been permitted to be a witness of the marvelous miracle now in progress of the birth of a nation.
In all our reminiscences, we can but compare as it were, yesterday with today, and are compelled to stand in awe as we watch what He is doing, and with bated breath to exclaim “what hath God wrought.”
In the winter of 1882-‘83 the Rev. Dr. Altmans, now of the Meiji Gakuin of Tokyo, but then a student, gathered the volunteers at New Brunswick [Seminary] together and read them a paper he had been appointed to prepare on the Hermit Kingdom at last opened by treaty to the Western World. The simple story of these twelve or thirteen million without the Gospel; of the church praying for an open door; the door opened through Admiral Shufelt’s treaty in 1882 and the thought of a year and more having passed without a move on the part of the church, so stirred the speaker that he determined to set to work and find someone to
go-
For myself, I believed I had been called to India, and in this conviction had made certain special preparations for that field and had spent a year in medical study; but I certainly felt there must be others who would be ready to go; yet do what 1 would, urge as I might, a year passed and still no one had offered, no church seemed ready to enter, and even the leaders in the foreign mission work of the churches were writing articles urging that it was too early to enter Korea. It was then that the message came home to me. “Why not go yourself?” But India, her needs, the peculiar call 1 believed 1 had had to that field, the partial special preparations, all loomed up, and seemed to bar the way.
Every door seemed closed and at first it appeared impossible to open them. Twice 1 applied to my own church but lack of funds compelled them to decline. Twice I had applied to the Presbyterian Board
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only to be told it was useless. The door seemed closing on Korea and wide open to stay at home or to follow my first intention to go to India. I had about decided upon this course and had written with much reluctance my acceptance of a call to a New York church; had sealed this letter and was about to drop it in the letter- box when it seemed almost as though I heard a voice saying “No one for Korea,” “How about Korea?” I drew back the letter in my hand determined to make another effort Koreaward and turned my face once again toward 23 Center Street (the old Presbyterian Board rooms). This time the secretary that I had previously seen was out and I saw a new face, that of Dr. F.F. Ellinwood, who assured me of his interest and in a few days I was notified that at the next meeting of the Board I should be appointed.
Just prior to my appointment a somewhat lengthy discussion had been in progress as to opening Korea, some of our secretaries being ardently in favor of it, others believing they must wait some years. It was just at this time that the senior secretary of the American Board [ABCFM] published a lengthy article urging delay in entering this country.
Mr. D.W. McWilliams, a Christian layman and a member of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, reading the article, took it to Dr. Ellinwood and enquired whether he felt able to answer it. The doctor agreed, and at luncheon soon showed to the satisfaction of Mr. McWilliams that Korea should be entered at once but he acknowledged that his colleagues and the Board did not agree with him.
Mr. McWilliams then enquired as to the cost of their opening a new mission and then drew his check for $6,000 to be used for opening a mission to Korea if that mission were begun at once.
I cannot proceed without just stopping a moment to recall that in the work of the last year and a half in America in behalf of Korea we have had both in the Board and in the church the warm and hearty sympathy and cooperation of this devoted Christian brother. His was one of the last faces that I saw, as with deep regret that he could not come out at this time, he sent his fatherly and saintly benedictions to the missionaries here.
It was almost immediately after my appointment that I met for the first time Dr. Heron, and together we talked with the Board over our plans for Korea.
The only steamship available for the port of Chemulpo was the old Tserio Maru, a sailing vessel converted into a S.S. of a few hundred tons burden.
Chemulpo at that time consisted of a very few Chinese and Japanese newly erected huts, and here we put up, at either Daibutsu or Harry’s hotel, both called first class. Daibutsu’s beds consisted of a blanket laid over plain boards in a bedstead, and at Harry’s one had to tip the one only basin to prevent the water running out of a hole on the other side. We had been directed to put ourselves in care of Mr. Cooper, who would secure ponies and start us on our way. I wish I had time to picture to you old Mr. Cooper, who came to our hotel and told us that he would make all arrangements and particularly warned us that we must be sure and leave not a minute later than eight, because otherwise we should risk being locked out at the closing of the city gates. Dr. Allen had already been settled some six months in Seoul and had passed through the experiences in connection with the emeute of 1884 and had been appointed physician to the emperor as well as to several of the legations then resident in Korea.
The attitude of the government and people being unknown, it was at that time deemed best that our presence and intended work should not be too widely advertised. A great deal of timidity was felt in all foreign circles, especially the diplomatic, as to what Koreans might do, and the sudden uprising of the previous December had so added to this feeling that it was deemed absolutely necessary that any foreigner in the capital should have a good horse and be prepared to seek refuge at the post on short notice.
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The opening of the Royal Hospital, coming at about this time, 1 was at once pressed into the service, acting as dispenser at the clinics.
You all know the story of the first baptized Christian, and it is needless for me to repeat how he was led to believe, but I doubt whether anyone can realize just what it means to him and to us. The massacres of the Roman Catholics still fresh in the minds of both natives and foreigners, the law condemning Christians to death had never been repealed, and only a year before Dr. Allen’s arrival, a Chinese soldier, a Christian from Chefoo had been arrested for daring to sell Chinese scriptures in Seoul, and the Korean government had demanded though unsuccessfully, his punishment by death.
How far the existing powers were desirous of holding to the old law, and to what extent this reflected the real feelings of the people, we were then unable to decide, but the Korean, despite his doubts on this score, asked baptism, and of course we acceded to his request.
But for more than for these considerations of caution was this an important occasion to us. As we looked on this man, the first fruit of our work and prayers, our faith was strengthened, our zeal quickened, and we seemed to see a vision of those others behind him who would follow. And yet our brightest dreams fell far short of the riches of the glory of the inheritance that was to be, “for the love of God is broader than the measure of man’s mind.” We could not then hear the tramp of the army of thousands which follows the cross here today; nor the music that should roll upward from hundreds of little churches before 25 years had passed, but we knew that day had begun to dawn in dark Korea and felt assured that that one believer was God’s pledge to us of a people whom he would make His own.
It was during this same year 1886, that we were first visited by a cholera epidemic. The record of the funerals which passed out of the two gates of Seoul through which they were allowed to go, showed a death rate of a little over a thousand a day. Every missionary’s house was provided with cholera medicine and we all did what we could to stay the progress of the plague.
Of course in the earlier days the learning of the language, the study of the people, the preparation of language helps, and the first beginnings of Bible translation engaged our efforts, but even from the start, we were watching opportunities to tell the gospel story, and praying for open doors. Constantly word was coming to us from the north of the results of Mr. Ross’s work among Koreans across the Chinese border, and especially of the opening which seemed to exist in the village of Sorai. A delegation from there had visited us in Seoul, and it was decided by the missionaries that the place must be visited and as far as opportunity offered work begun at suitable points along the route. What we lacked in native books in Unmon we tried to make up by the use of Chinese tracts and scriptures, and starting out with two ponies we made our first itinerating trip.
It was with no little fear and trepidation we started on this joimiey. We had from the beginning been rather surprised at the kindliness of the “wild and blood-thirsty Koreans” of whom we had heard so much. We had believed that natives were strongly hostile to foreigners, and especially to Christianity, and we ascribed the warm reception accorded us by the residents of Seoul and vicinity to the favor of the palace, and their having learned to know us in the hospital and our homes. It would be very different we were told, in the interior. I have not time to go into details, but let me briefly refer to the incident heard by some of you already of the time when I was lost in the woods north of Hai Ju on this very trip. We did not yet know the people, certainly those in the interior, and they knew nothing about us. And while I cannot but laugh over the affair, it seemed to me then no smiling matter as astride my pony, I peered from the shelter of the woods and wondered whether I dared ask the way. I knew not in which direction to turn, I was certainly on the wrong road for I should have overtaken the packs by twelve and it was now two, and when I viewed that village with its central tiled house and surrounding huts I had a bad attack of decidedly cold feet as I thought
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that I must go and make inquiries of these unknown and hostile barbarians. Visions of Lieutenant Foulk, a former attache of the American legation who knew the road, fleeing for life from an excited crowd and only escaping because the river ice was sufficiently strong only for one, broke through with the many, presented itself only too vividly to my mental vision. But I neither knew the road, nor was there a convenient ice trap.
Imagine then my (- shall I call it disappointment?) as the kind and gentlemanly farmer who responded to my call, accorded to me the sort of reception that I have since found universally given in Korea, to civil advances and requests for aid from strangers. He overwhelmed me with generous and insistent proffers of hospitality, urging that I must refresh myself and horse before going further, and would hardly let me go without the acceptance of at least a little tobacco.
Having arrived at Sorai, the whole village seemed eager to do me honor: Christians and heathen vied with each other in trying to provide delicacies they fancied I should enjoy; and here to my delight, I found a half dozen more men who were willing to call themselves Christians, with a still larger band of enquirers. But as here, again alone, I entered the little village it was Mr. Saw Kyung Jo, now pastor, who rushed up and grasping my hand in both of his, welcomed me to the place. Ever since I have felt that Sorai is a little piece of home, and the most significant fact in connection with this village was that I heard people saying that though they knew little about his teachings, his doings were very good.
In the intervals of all sorts of beginnings, Mr. Appenzeller and I had undertaken the translation of the Gospel of Luke, and the National Bible Society of Scotland printed it in 1887. It was of course very imperfect, but we felt the need of the gospel for the women and common people and gave them the best we could then prepare. The following Spring, Mr. Appenzeller and I started on a union itinerating evangelistic trip and were ignominiously recalled to our great disgust and high indignation, when we had gone no further than Pyeng Yang - the first place where they could reach us - on account of a sudden panic into which all the foreigners had been thrown by an anti-Christian decree, fulminated really against the Roman Catholics in a sudden fit of official indignation over the building of the cathedral on a forbidden site. Loud and many were the reproaches with which we were greeted on all sides on our return, as having by our rash action in going to the country been the cause of this sudden blow to the work. But that our trip, or preaching had nothing whatever to do with this we soon learned, not only when the real cause came out, but one much more convincing in the fact that hardly had I returned when I was visited by three members of the cabinet and offered the entire charge of the government educational work, and to cap the climax, when I refused even to consider this imless permitted to teach Christianity in connection with it, this liberty was freely granted.
This prohibitory edict was interpreted by our minister as meaning that we were forbidden to hold services of any kind in our schools or homes, or to pray or sing with natives. We were told that we might teach the historical Christ but nothing more. Under those strictures some of the missionaries were led for a time to suspend all active work, but this was only for a short time, and the few who thought and acted differently were considered a party of dangerous fanatics who would undoubtedly bring down swift destruction on the heads of all the foreigners, until a Methodist Bishop and a Presbyterian Secretary of the Board, after long and troubled interviews with diplomats and missionaries took their stand on the same side, and it was found that the Christians who shouted their hymns with all their usual lusty vigor went quite unnoticed and unharmed when all work was gradually openly resumed.
In the meantime every form of mission work was beginning, and every form was welcomed as a means of opening doors for direct evangelistic work. Of course it must be remembered that with only one or two workers outside of the medical department this could not be so thoroughly and completely done, as later, when there were more heads and hands. At the same time, so great was the pressure on all sides, so fast were doors opening and calls with a wonderful appeal coming from near and far that it would have been less than human not to respond, while we needed to be more than human to do all as we desired.
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The medical work was making advances by leaps and bounds, wirming high favor everywhere. Drs. Allen and Heron were being constantly called to his majesty, while Miss Ellers’ services as medical attendant on the queen were in frequent requisition, and brought her in touch with the wives of the nobility.
A medical school was started, and hospital and school being departments of the government, the doctors and teachers became at once practically Korean officials and thus had the entree to, and good will of this exclusive and powerful class, while at the same time, their ceaseless and untiring efforts for the present at least, coupled with their marvelous and almost miraculous success, did no little to win general favor toward all foreigners. In fact it was almost entirely due to Dr. Heron’s intense devotion to his work that he lost his life, for in the extremest heat of a severe summer, when he himself ought to have been imder the care of a trained nurse, he insisted upon riding 25 miles to attend a clinic, and on remaining in Seoul instead of returning to the mountains.
Not a little difficulty was experienced in arranging for the sepulture. The government had not yet conformed to treaty stipulations to set aside a cemetery, and the U.S. minister, applying to the government for this, they evaded, postponed, and after a day or two, proposed first one and then another absolutely impossible sites. When the U.S. minister found himself unable to get any satisfactory response, as it was necessary to do something promptly, he consented to the temporary interment on one of the properties of the mission inside the city walls. The very suggestion however of such a thing was almost like putting a match to a powder magazine. Riots were threatened, and the abject terror of the government was such that they at once came to terms and the present site on the river was agreed upon. It was a sore trial to have this turmoil at a time when all hearts were sad, but it fell thus to Dr. Heron even in death to prepare the way for a peaceful resting place for his fellow countrymen who were to follow him one by one.
The nervous condition of unrest has let us on more than one occasion to expect riots and difficulties. Sometimes guards have been called to the various legations, and at times the resident foreigners themselves have been organized as guards for their respective legations.
Perhaps the most exciting of all was that known as the “baby riots” when feeling grew more and more intense, and one night with loaded guns at our sides we awaited the signal that should call us to the legations. The alarm came, but fortunately proved a mistake, for it was afterwards foimd that all the legation guns were unfit for use.
Despite the fact that we have at times seemed to be dwelling on a volcano and that we have seen decided evidence of imeasiness and uiu'est such as might easily have resulted in serious disturbances and that even in the few cases where disturbances have existed, some of our men have been in positions where life was seriously endangered. God has so overruled that thus far no missionary life has been lost from such a cause.
Perhaps the most trying time which the whole foreign community ever experienced, was during the very severe and unhealthy summer of the China-Japan war when all foreigners were confined within the city walls. Those from the country were called to the capital and there was scarcely a family where there were not one or more cases of severe sickness, while Dr. and Mrs. Vinton and Mr. and Mrs. Junkin were called each to give up a little one who could not stand the severe conditions.
We older ones all remember with the keenest interest the day when the news reached us of the persecution of Christians in Pyeng Yang, and our fears for the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Hall and their children, the hours of united and individual prayer in their behalf, the apparent refusal of the government or at least of the governor to accede to the demands of the British and American legations, the volunteers who clamored to be allowed to go down to that city and render such assistance as was possible to these brethren in danger, and the prayers and fears with which we followed Messrs. Moffett and McKenzie as they went on this trip
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into the very lions’ den as it seemed, and so likely was it that they might not return, that no married man had been allowed to go.
How God has overruled it all for His glory is plain to us today who gather in this same city for our Annual meeting. This was only a few years ago, and yet today the Christians in this city form the most powerful factor here. The saintly Hall and McKenzie are now gone, and they too with us are rejoicing in the manifestations of the power of the old old story of Jesus and his love.
Mr. McKenzie went from Pyeng Yang to Sorai and there established himself attempting to live as a Korean and by his simple life and personal touch to preach and teach Christ. The work in this section bears the impress of his life to this day. But time would fail me to tell of Gideon and of Barak and Sampson and Jeptha, of David also and Samuel and of the prophets who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. (Heb. Xi: 32-34.)
As we run our eyes over the list of the men and women who have served the Kingdom in this land very many bear stars against their names to mark that they are here no more.
Their work is done. Their course is run, and having received the Master’s “well done” they wear their crowns. But we, why are we left? Because our work is not yet done, our task not yet completed, and we are given yet a day of grace in which to finish our poor labors, to correct our mistakes, to love more tenderly and patiently, to endure more cheerfully, to toil more unselfishly and whole-heartedly. For some of us perhaps even now the messenger waits at the door. Let us be up then and doing, for the night cometh wherein no man can work.
Quite early in our history the Translation Board and the Bible Executive Society were formed, and the Tract Society came into existence and received generous assistance from the parent societies in America and England. Still later the Y.M.C.A. had its first modest beginnings when a young man called Gillett, made his appearance in Seoul. Hymn books, lesson leaves and church papers found their way among us one by one, and glad was the day when we met with the American minister in the choir to celebrate the publication of the first copies of the tentative edition of the New Testament. Such were indeed red letter days when we could take breath and feel that a milestone had been reached; a definite and lasting work accomplished.
There were political upheavals many in these days; there was another siege of cholera; there were wars and rumors of wars, but steadily the leaven was working, new ideals were forming, new ambitions and desires; evil customs were changing; the attitude of the whole people toward Christianity, education, women, and children was becoming transformed, till today we find ourselves out of breath in the effort to keep pace with it, and instead of spurs are needing the check-rein and the curb, for they are going perhaps so fast as to overleap the goal. All but the newest here have seen classes of boys and girls graduating from our schools. You have seen well trained native doctors receiving their degrees and beginning the work of Christian medical service among their people. We have seen a class of ministers graduating from a theological seminary, and foreign missionaries sent out by a native church to others in darkness; and now not quite forgetting, for we caimot, the things that are behind, let us press forward for the mark and the prize of our high calling. All Korea for Christ.
But we cannot close these reminiscences without noting how one after another, corps after corps of the Lords ’s army, have wheeled into line, and ranging themselves with the forces on the field have been striving earnestly and unitedly for the one object.
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Methodists and Presbyterians came hand in hand, and ever since close shoulder to shoulder, they have gone forward. In a very short time the “Vanguard” of the Canadians arrived on the scene [Gale,
Hardie, Fenwick and McKenzie], merging their forces so with these already here, as almost to lose their own identity. Close upon their heels came the first representatives of the Australian Mission of whom first was the sainted Davies, who gave his life for the Korean church. At about the same time came Bishop Corfe with his company of workers to represent that mother of foreign missions [the Anglican Society for the Proclamation of the Gospel], and though perhaps they and we do not see eye to eye on matters of form, and all doctrines, they have been doing a noble work as far as numbers and strength would permit.
Within a year of their arrival the Southern Presbyterian Church decided to enter the field, and with steadily increasing numbers, have endeavored to thoroughly occupy that section of the field allotted to them, and in a peculiar way, especially may it be said of this mission, they have been willing to go wherever they could assist in the general work of the Lord without regard as to the credit which might or might not accrue to their own individual body. It is barely a year ago since we were called to mourn the loss of one of their pioneers who has worked hand in hand, side by side with us from the first, and only the other day another was called.
More recently we welcomed Dr. Reed and Mrs. Campbell as the leaders of the Methodist Church, South, and it has been intensely interesting to note the assiduity with which that mission, in its intense desire to have no overlapping, has brought it about that a comparatively small section has been assigned to her, and the statesmanlike way in which they are endeavoring to properly equip that section.
Last year we were called upon to welcome the latest arrival, the Salvation Army.
In the gradual drawing together of these forces, in reality all working with one object, in one dear Name, we find that today four of these grand divisions have formed such an organic union as to be essentially one; two others are in such harmony that they also may almost be thought of as one and all the evangelistic forces in Korea thus far may be considered as in three great sections.
But my brethren, is this all? Are we to stop here? Is it not our most solemn duty to study how every impediment may be removed, every obstacle overthrown and how, drawing ever closer and closer, we may conserve the priceless forces of the King until in fulfilment of his last command and dearest wish, we shall all be one, marching forward to conquer for him.
God grant that since he has so wonderfully manifested His Presence and Power; as we listen to His voice; as we hear His stately steppings, our hearts may be so thrilled that losing sight of all else, we may all, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of England, crowd so close to Jesus that distinctions and divisions between us may be crowded out and that all welded into one may accomplish His Purpose.
(from the Quarto Centennial Papers read before THE KOREA MISSION of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. at THE ANNUAL MEETING in Pyeng Yang, August 27, 1909 and published with other papers in a bound volume , pp. 97 - 1 10, in the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Chai Ryung, Korea
September 15, 1909
H.C. Whiting
Dr. A.J. Brown.
My Dear Doctor:
Yesterday at our first Station Meeting after Annual Meeting I was reminded of the fact that my August letter to you had not been written. Mr. Koons had written his July letter in August so you have received far more news than I could have written. Mrs. George McCune & Miss [Catherine] McCune are with us and we had yesterday the largest meeting in the history of Chai Ryung. Mr. Swallen was also a guest - nine being present.
Miss McCune is already accumulating words & studying hard with her teacher. All the work is now in full swing. Chai Ryung Academy opened this morning with some twenty scholars. [The] boys’ School [has] over one hundred. Their new building will be ready for occupancy in a few days. [The] girls’ school with over forty in attendance. The Church is now crowded each Sunday. Last Sunday De Moksa [should be Yi Moksa, pastor Yi Kui-Poong] gave his experiences at Chai Ju (Island of Quelpart). The first foreign missionary return, and like Paul, gives a glowing account of the work. He is a fine man, but has very little idea of financial obligations. Not that he is dishonest, but lacks judgment. Although self-support of the native church has been the policy he has been brought up in, yet the first thing he wants to do is to build a big church with the money collected in the large churches of Pyeng Yang & Whang Hai provinces. There are rocks ahead for the Korean Church. I fear our form of government is too far advanced for the Koreans. The Israelites had forty years of discipline before they became self-governing. The Koreans, by thousands of years of mis- rule are like children. Spiritually they are in advance of many Christian nations but they lack balance, foresight and the essence of self-government, and it will require years of discipline to form it in them. In the mean time some check or ruling power should be devised so that we can hold them true - like our government is educating self-government into Cuba, and keeping them in line until they are self reliant and trustworthy.
Mr. Sharp’s house is being built as fast as possible and will be a very pleasant home when completed. The hospital is filling up with patients, and the dispensary cases are daily increasing. Mrs. Whiting and I spent five weeks away from Korea. We found the missionary home at Chefoo a very restful place. I found out there more about Chinese missionaries’ furloughs and vacations, etc. Our missionaries at Chefoo and Tung Chow Fu take their vacation in sea bathing and such recreation. Dr. Corbett, Mr. Eldridth and Mr. Cornwall took no vacation this summer. Dr. Walten Seymour, my former assistant in medical mission work in Chicago & his wife who was my deaconess, spend the late afternoon and evening on the beach. I had five days with them and was much impressed with Dr. Seymour’s work. He needs a workable hospital and I am sure he deserves it. The missionaries from the interior (not of our mission) that I met at the house all stay on the Coast two months or longer and they tell me that the month of February is a rest month. Chinese New Years, schools closed, itineration useless & all branches of work except printing, closed down. Miss Posey expects to visit Korea in February, her school work being closed. So that from personal observation I think my statement that most missionaries in China & Japan have from two to three months a year as vacation, is true. We don’t need it in Korea. February is the best working month in the year and a short rest at sea side or up the rivers is all that most of us can have. The term of
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service for single ladies in most all Missions seems to be shorter than in our. Five or six years. 1 believe our forces would do more effective work for a longer time & with less expense to the Church at home in the long run, if seven years should be the limit & 12 months off the field. Those who are away 14 months miss two Annual Meetings & the work is moving so fast that as Dr. Moffett says - he has not yet caught up & he is not slow.
Education occupies considerable of our time at Pyeng Yang. Education is the slogan. No greater mistake could be made than for the Korean Church to get the idea that we came here to educate. Some are already saying the Church is nothing but a school house. Persistent, aggressive, all absorbing evangelistic effort is the only salvation at this hour. 1 am trying to put down a few of my impressions of the situation as a layman sees it. Trusting that your trip to Scotland was most enjoyable and that you and yours are well, I am
Yours sincerely,
Harry C. Whiting
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #112)
Seoul, Korea
October 5, 1909
Ralph O. Reiner
Dr. Arthur J. Brown New York
My dear Dr. Brown,
You have hardly left Korea, yet it is my privilege to send you word of our work in Seoul since our last station meeting in the middle of August. Many things have conspired to make us glad but among these, none can equal the satisfaction we all felt over the return of three senior missionaries from furlough. Mr. & Mrs. Welbon with their three children arrived about August 15*, Dr. and Mrs. Underwood reached Pyeng Yang August 20* and Dr. and Mrs. Avison returned to Seoul on September 28*. The absence of three such men has been a great detriment to the work during the past year and not only that, but the ones remaining have been compelled to carry greatly increased burdens.
Dr. Avison has arrived at an especially opportune time, for cholera has been in the city for several weeks, having come across by way of Chemulpo from China. At no time has it been dangerous to the health of the missionary body, yet its presence added to the duties your resident physician. Dr. Hirst, so materially as to more than tax his strength. During the past year he has shouldered the responsibilities of the hospital and medical school and has shown marked ability in conducting both. But the work was too much for one man and he has been compelled to drop everything and take a short vacation trip to Japan. Upon his return, it is hoped that the varied activities of the hospital may again be pushed to their utmost.
Very interesting reports of the work of the Girls’ and the Boys’ Academies were presented by the principals, Mr. and Mrs. Greenfield. There is a total enrolment at present of 65 girls and 130 boys. Marked changes in methods are being attempted. What success they will have, it is too early to say. But it is hoped that higher standards of disciplined instruction and spirituality may be attained.
Mr. Clark’s report of Central Church’s work was most encouraging. Within a year the attendance has increased from 350 to 375 to 525. Not only this, but the budget has increased to correspond. Last year the total contributions amounted to $650 gold. This year it is planned to raise something over $900 gold. The church already crowded a year ago, is now literally being “jammed” full each Sunday. The officers of the church seem to be the most wide awake of any I have seen. Inasmuch as the church must educate the children of Christians, it has accepted the other principle as a corollary, that the children need good teachers and good buildings. Hence the old buildings behind the church are being transformed into bright, airy rooms which bid fair to equal any schools under the care of the mission, whether foreign built or Korean.
The sad part of our work comes from the certain change of some of our workers. By the division of territory recently effected with the Northern Methodists, we lose Wonju and all its adjacent territory. Mr. Welbon, who had been appointed to work there with Mr. Lampe and Dr. Fletcher, is to be transferred to Andong or some station in the south, while Mr. Lampe goes to Syen Chyun. Dr. Fletcher has not [been assigned to] one of our stations yet, as he has been filling Dr.
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Whiting’s place in Chai Ryung during a visit he is making to Japan.
We shall not forget your visit to Korea soon. So many good results have already come from it that we are all rejoicing because of your brief sojourn with us. Personally, it gives me greater pleasure than ever to write to you because you seemed so much like one of us here. Besides that, your appearance and actions reminded me so forcibly of a man I worked for during my summer vacations while attending High School, that I almost imagined you were he.
We are again hard at the language, and “hard” is a great deal harder than it was a year ago. It just makes me ashamed not to be able to speak at all (practically) for I ought to be making myself well understood. But I console myself that we are all in about the same condition, and only hard work will bring us out.
Mrs. Reiner joins in sending best wishes to your dear wife and yourself, and our prayers are more numerous.
Sincerely yours,
Ralph O. Reiner
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #117)
Seoul, Korea
October, 1 909 Horace G. Underwood
SEOUL STATION REPORT OF H.G. UNDERWOOD FOR OCTOBER. 1909
Not having been back long enough on the field to go into all the details of the work there may be very little to report, and whatever items of interest there may be to report may only be touched upon. Yet it does give me a great deal of pleasure to realize that this is the first report since being back.
IN PYENG YANG: We arrived in Pyeng Yang August 20‘\ and stayed there until the Annual Meetings and the Presbytery were over. There will be no need of my making mention of anything in reference to those meetings, as most of us will be acquainted with the facts concerning them.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: On arriving Seoul in the beginning of September I was called away on the Executive Committee which met in Seoul and also in the Southern Province.
NEWSPAPER: We have also had a number of meetings of the Newspaper Committee, and have been discussing and laying out plans for the work.
EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE: The Committee on Educational Matters called on the Educational Department, at which time Dr. A.J. Brown of the Board accompanied us. We were able to state to the Department that we were ready to register our higher schools and that we were planning to develop our normal work. Also inquiries concerning textbooks were made, but we were not able to go into details enough to get any definite answers.
CHURCH: In regard to the Church work, I have been trying to start to reorganize the work of all the city and country Churches in my charge, as it seems necessary for an effectual growth of the work, and especially on account of my long absence which has caused me to become less acquainted with the details. With this object in view I have sent a circular letter round to all the churches and groups, and in order to keep myself in touch with them I expect to send to each church or group at least one letter a month or more. In my first letter I have told them about the Annual Meetings in Pyeng Yang and particularly about the Presbytery and what had been decided at the latter meeting that might be of interest to them and that they ought to know. Particular mention was made about the work to be in the hands of the Committee on Educational Matters and of the report of the work done in Cheju (Quelpart Island) and of what had been decided for the Koreans in Vladivostock. So far it looks as if this plan will work to its good, as even though I may not be able to go to them every month I can keep in touch with them and keep them in touch with the general work, and thus unite their prayers for the one common object and aim we all have.
INDIVIDUAL CHURCHES: As to the individual churches, I have not been able to see in person except a few churches, namely: Sai Moon An, Chandari, and at the time of writing it is my intention to go to Yong Tong Po before the rendering of this. I have also started to get all the records of the individual churches and to get them more systematized so that we can be in concord with a thorough reorganization.
EDUCATIONAL: The Sai Moon An Church is trying to put her schools on a firmer basis, and the Chandari people are in hopes of getting their new school building finished in spite of the fact that they are having a few reverses. Perhaps a more detailed mention of these will be made in my next report, in which I may be able to speak of a few other places.
On the whole, I would like to say that after I have gotten everything properly reorganized and in shape the Lord will work greater wonders than He has yet; and I am glad to say I am entering these fields again looking forward to larger hopes and greater prospects. God’s miracle in this land is by no means at an end. It has only started to make a beginning.
H.G. Underwood
(from the archival microfilm records of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, PA, Reel #285, Vol. 244)
Ryozan, Korea
(near Seoul, possibly Inch’on)
October 31, 1910
Ida G. Pierson (Mrs. G.P.)
I thank you very much for your letters introducing me to missionaries in Korea. I arrived
here October 22"*' and since then I have been preaching every night (to the Japanese) in Ryozan, Seoul, or Jinsen. In Seoul 10 or 1 1 seekers came forward one night and there were many more seekers at Seoul before I came. At Ryozan [the Japanese name for a Korean city], my headquarters, there are now 60 inquirers. But the little Japanese church here is in a sad condition, the Christians are weak and like sick men, therefore. I will stay here a month or more to make the church stronger and more united. After my work is ended here I will go to other places preaching the gospel and bringing the blessing of our Lord and if anywhere the people wish me to stay, I will stop at that place some weeks or a month and work there.
I hear that the special evangelistic campaign for the Koreans is going on well and that they have more than 2000 inquirers already. I have much sympathy for the Korean people. They are just like lost sheep. If God will send me to them, I will go to them and live among them and help them and teach them the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The sky in Korea is very clear and fine, the climate is much warmer than on the main island of Japan.
My greetings to Mr. Hishino and all the Christians.
Ryozan, Seoul, Korea November 21, 1910 Ida G. Pierson
Since arriving in Korea I have been working steadily in the evangelistic campaign for the Japanese. The Japanese church at Ryozan has been without a pastor from the beginning and has been carried on by a few struggling members. Indeed it resembles the Corinthian church in not a few respects and is in a somewhat serious condition. There is, however, a comparatively large number of inquirers here and their state is hopeful.
[The Japanese congregation] at Seoul, under Pastor Otami’s guidance with Judge Watanabe’s help and that of his wife and other leading Christians, is making good progress. There are also not a few Japanese-speaking Korean officials among the inquirers connected with the church. I believe it will be possible to have a united Japanese and Korean church here some day. According to the newspapers the number of Christian converts among the Koreans has decreased since the annexation, but from what the missionaries say, the decrease was very slight indeed, and in fact some say there has been an increase. From now on it looks as if we were really going to have peace. Many of the Koreans are abandoning their old customs and costumes and becoming quite modem in their attire. The Korean women are now beginning to appear on the streets with uncovered heads and the men with their hair cut short.
The Korean church is certainly very much in earnest. How much definite knowledge the Christians possess I am unable to say, but as far as keeping Sunday is concerned, contributing liberally to church support and faithful attendance at prayer-meeting, they are far ahead of the Japanese church.
Lately I visited a Korean church without a pastor at a place called Gunzan. The Christians take turns in preaching and in exhorting one another, so that there has been no decline whatever in the life of the church. On the contrary, I heard that at the weekly prayer-meeting, many of the Christians experienced a revival of their faith, not without tears.
I hope to be able to arrange the affairs of the Ryozan Church by the end of this month, but it may be January before I can return to Hokkaido. Please pray for the blessing and power of the Holy Spirit on my work here.
Pray, give my greetings to the pastor, the session and the brethren and sisters of the Church at Asahigawa.
Ryozan, Seoul, Korea December 14, 1910 Ida G. Pierson
I met Dr. Gale and Dr. Underwood today. Dr. Gale told me that as a result of the special campaign among the Koreans in Seoul there were 5000 inquirers besides several more thousands as a result of house to house visitation. Dr. Underwood said he thought 4000 had been brought in at the meetings and 4000 by the visiting, making 8000 in all.
I could not go to Pyongyang, so I sent your letter to Dr. Moffett. He wrote to me very kindly in reply and told me that during the last week great blessings had been enjoyed in his field. He had been long absent and had only just returned from America.
Our Japanese church in Seoul is in a very good condition. There are 40 or 50 inquirers connected with the church and among them are many high government officials and their wives.
I think the evangelistic work in Korea is far ahead of that in Japan.
Greetings to all the Christians and the Woman’s meeting.
N. Sakamoto.
Respectfully,
Ida G. Pierson (Mrs. G.P.)
[missionary in Japan working for a short period in Korea]
Asahigawa, Hokkaido, Japan December 27‘\ 1910
(from the archival microfilm records of the Board of Foreign Missions, Presbyterian Historical Society, Philadelphia, PA, Reel #280, Vol. 230 (part 3)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
October 15th, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
Dear Father and Mother,
Now that the cold weather is coming I am glad for Baby’s sake that we came when we did. He is doing splendidly and loves to be out doors, right down in the dirt. Jamie, too, is very happy in this fine big compound. But we have no word from you yet and it does seem such a long time to wait. I want to know so many things about you and all the details of the home there.
I have taken up so much teaching just now that I do almost nothing else except care for the children. But after this special “Workers’ Class” is over I shall take up many things in the household that are calling for attention.
Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman and his party came from Australia to Japan and are now on their way up through Korea. We expect them here in a few days to hold services for us and for the Korean Church.
We have a number of guests - eleven in the household, counting the children.
Sam sends much love to you both and Jamie and I send love and kisses.
Your loving,
Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Seoul, Korea
October 19, 1909
Katherine Wambold
My dear Dr. Brown,
The special feature of yesterday’s station meeting was that Dr. Underwood was with us for the first time in nearly three years and a half I enclose his station report.
Dr. Avison said he had been overworked in America when he traveled with Dr. Underwood, speaking for the Korea Propaganda. This remark caused much merriment, for we all know what a strenuous worker Dr. Underwood is. Dr. Avison is fiill of plans for a Union Medical School in Severance Hospital. At a meeting of the Korea Medical Association it met with approval. The electric train lines and the electric light plant have been sold to the Japanese, and the foreigners who owned them are moving away, so their fees as a source of revenue will cease.
Mr. Clark reported nineteen baptisms during the month. The attendance at Syung Dong Church is 508. The deacon reported on Sunday that we have an attendance of almost 600, only lacking 92.
Mr. Curtis [Presbyterian missionary working among the Japanese in Korea] reported that he was praying for one thousand Japanese converts in Korea this year. He is urging self-support as much as possible. The church at Yongsan, near Seoul, is growing. Judge Watanabe gives valuable assistance; Mr. Curtis has some discouragements. In Syen Chun, he invited all the Japanese to a meeting and only twelve came. And five hundred Koreans came, and they had no invitation whatever!
Dr. Gale did not report, as he was excused early in the meeting to attend a conference of the Salvation Army (there are thirteen members here now); to tell them some things about how to study the Korean language.
Mr. Genso [father of Gail Genso Kinney] said he had been wearing down the path between his house and the Residency, seeing about Mission property matters. He said some German Catholics, Benedictines, had bought a large amount of property near our Yun Mot Kol site, and were going to start a school.
Mr. Greenfield said school had begun again after the vacation because of cholera. They are short of teachers; Dr. Gale will teach astronomy and Dr. Underwood, ethics. Mrs. Greenfield has started the Girls’ school again, after the cholera vacation.
Miss Heron [Annie Heron, stepdaughter of Dr. Gale] is of indispensable value in the school because she speaks Korean so very well.
The new term of the Medical School has begun with class rooms crowded. Dr. Hirst reports.
Mr. Lampe had his boxes packed and was about to go to his new station, Syen Chyun.
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Mr. and Mrs. Pieters are both in Pyeng Yang, where Mr. Pieters is enjoying his teaching in the Academy.
Mr. and Mrs. Reiner are busy studying the language, and also in work at the Tong Mak church and Sunday School. In the language examinations, Mrs. Reiner is said to have passed brilliantly. Mr. Reiner has his hands full; besides a heavy share of the school, he is Business Manager of the Korea Mission Field and of the Sunday School Quarterly.
Miss Rittgers is doing well in the language, and she shows most unselfish devotion to the school work.
Miss Shields reports that there are nine Korean nurses, that the two who nursed the cholera are perfectly well, and did not catch it.
Miss Taylor was given permission to go itinerating with Miss Snavely, of the Methodist Mission, for a month.
Mr. Welbon spent five days in Fusan. He had visited the new station site at Andong, going with Mr. Sawtelle. The people are much in need of guidance. There is no timber at the place, and many landslides, rendering building difficult.
I have had two country classes this month with my usual neighborhood classes, Sunday services, house to house preaching. I was appointed statistician to the General Council. At this meeting I resigned the editorship of the Korea Mission Field, as country work prevented my doing it. I had been Editor since July first, and had got out six numbers in that time, as the little sheet had fallen behind. Mrs. Underwood is the new Editor. Under her able hands the paper cannot but improve. We are praying for a million converts in Korea this year.
Sincerely yours,
Katherine Wambold
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #121)
Pyeng Yang
November 9, 1909
Alice F. Moffett
Dear Little Mother,
We are having some quite cold weather but Babykins is getting used to it and loves to be out in his warm sweater and cap. Only he does not understand why Lyum-Si will not let him walk on the cold ground or sit on the grass. Every little while she has to bring him in and let him have some exercise in the house and then take him out again in his carriage or tied on her back, Korean fashion. Jamie is racing over the compound nearly all day playing with the little white kids [goats] or sometimes with Mr. Swallen’s children or with the little Korean boy who lives in our gate house. Jamie is learning Korean very fast - he still asks me for a word now and then but that will not last long.
Five people have left our household, so now we are only seven - Miss Strang, Mrs. Curtis and Gordon, and our own family. I am busy caring for the household and teaching - five times during the week, but it is all such joyous work.
The sweater which you sent arrived safely - am sorry you had to trouble with it hut glad that matter is settled at last. I miss the book of Jamie’s kindergarten songs - can you send me that, please, sometime when convenient? You remember you said you wanted to take down the title and then at the last I forgot to put it in again. I think there is nothing else there that I need.
Mother, how do you feel now about having Lucia Hester [Charles Fish’s brother, Tom’s daughter, who became the second Mrs. Samuel Austin Moffett] go to you after the Christmas vacation? If you want her and will tell her so, I feel sure she will find a substitute and go to stay with you until I reach there. If her presence would be a help to you do write and ask her to come.
Sam has not been well for a few days but is better now. Generally he is well but he works very hard and is not equal to so much as formerly. He sends much love to you and Fatherdy. How often I wish I could fly to you and help you for a little while and then come back.
Jamie sends kisses to you and Grandpa. And love to Mrs. Rooney. I am so glad she writes to me. I am going to write to Fatherdy - just as soon as I can but will send this on first. A heart full of love to you both.
Your daughter, Alice
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
Nov. 22nd, 1909
Alice Fish Moffett
Dear Fatherdy,
For ten days or more 1 have been trying to write to you but the time has been over full. Oh, there are so many things to tell you about the work here, - so many blessings that are coming to us all the time. When 1 went back to my old place among the women in Central Church I found a Bible School larger than before. Last Sabbath morning 1 had 370 women and girls all to myself! Isn’t that a great privilege? They are divided into classes, of course, for the study of the lesson. 1 lead the opening and closing exercises and teach a class of about twenty women. On Saturday afternoon 1 have a class of over fifty teachers which includes the women who teach in two other Bible Schools in the city. There are five such schools in the entire city in session at the same time every Sabbath morning. New believers come in every Sabbath, - yes, every day they are being gathered in by the Koreans - for these Christians are always at work to bring others in.
The Korean Church is providing preparatory schools for its own boys and girls, while the Mission provides the advanced departments. But the preparatory schools are all crowded and another building is needed for the boys and one for the girls - as they can never study together. The people made an offering several months ago for the boys’ building and that is under way. Just the other day some of the women of the church were called together to consider the matter of the building for the girls. Between forty and fifty women attended the meeting and their offering amounted to yen 400 ($200 gold) either given at the time or promised. Wasn’t that splendid for so poor a people? It certainly shows how much they value education for their children. My Bible woman had just received her month’s wages yen 8.00 before she went to the meeting and she at once gave one fourth of it. That means that she and her two children must live for a month on $3.00 gold instead of $4.00. I think some Christians in America do not yet begin to know what true giving means.
The book store and reading room which you helped to build has been somewhat remodeled this past year and now has a very pretty front on the street. I mean to send you a photo of it as soon as I can.
Jamie and Charles have such good times out in this big yard with the goats and the little black and white kids. Jamie’s little pet white kid is named “Ginger”, another one is “Jackie” and the black one is “Bosie”. I don’t know where he found the names. The tiniest baby kid which came a few days ago is still nameless. Sam is away for a few days out among his country churches. He wants to send love to you and to Mother every time I write. It does mean so much to us all to be here together for this winter - and it was so good of you both to let me come, - to send us all back. According to present plans Sam will leave for the conference in Edinburgh about May 15th and then if you still want me to, and I can find company across the Pacific, I can go to you again.
Love to Mother dear and your own dear self - to Mrs. Rooney and Pauline,
Your daughter,
Alice
(from the Samuel H. Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
'ijLe (^Liidren 6 '^J'nencl i6 ^e6u6
'ijLe chiidren 4 ddriend ii ^eAu.6
J4e ca ILik em to Jdii iide;
Jde ^aue J4: life a random, .ddeauen i ^ate to open wide.
dJlie cLiidren i Idriend ii ^eiui, J4A i/ei tlteir jous ta ikarei JJ.L nowi the i
^dde ion^i each one to Le
ir ultle iorrowi,
year.
'dJlie chiidren i ’idriend ii ^eiui, VL re i no one eiie io true;
.Jde heepi aii thoie who truit ..Jdim, Ji no one eiie can do.
(dho. - dJhe chiidren i 'idriend ii ^eiui ^eiui, ^eiui;
JdiiiifeJde ^ai/e the ir iou iito iat/e, 'dJhe chiidren i friend ii Jde
Jhii poem ii in JL.3. WoHdiA andwritin^ and wai inciuded with the current ietter. Uai it written li^ ^Jiice Iddoddett? i^erhapi io.
(from the Samuel Hugh Moffett collection of Samuel Austin Moffett papers)
Taiku, Korea
November 27, 1909
John Y. Crothers
Dr. Arthur J. Brown
156 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y.
Dear Dr. Brown
First impressions of the new missionary seem to be at a premium, especially when it comes time to decide who shall write the regular letter to the Board. These impressions are not so marked when one has prepared himself by reading a number of the very good books on this country. As we arrived at the close of the rainy season, the land looked its best, and appeared not nearly so barren as some authors had led us to fear. The people’s clothing and houses, on the other hand, came up to the worst descriptions in any book, as did the smells. Had it not been for what we knew of the power of the gospel in this land, the outlook would have been discouraging.
It is wonderful how soon we get accustomed to our new surroundings, and think of nothing but our main work. That is the one thing that does not grow old. It makes a tremendous appeal to a man to have a delegation come every few days from places 70 miles or more away, asking when the missionary is coming to teach them - and he cannot go, for he does not know their tongue. Such delegations came to our house this fall from the territory belonging to An Dong station, which is to be opened next summer (D.V.) [God willing]. This territory contains almost 400,000 people, among whom we have the only Protestant work, and this was to be maimed by Mr. Welbon, who has been in Korea nine years; Mr. Sawtell, who has been here two years; and Mr. Crothers and Dr. Fletcher, who came out this year. This ratio of one missionary to 100,000 people has convinced me that we have not yet too many missionaries, at least in this part of Korea.
The second week in October Mr. Welbon and Mr. Sawtell started on their first and last trip together to this region. Three weeks later Mr. Sawtell returned home so weak from fever that he fell off the horse twice on the way. In spite of all that could be done for him, he passed away from us, leaving but one man who knows the language to reach 400,000 people. Mr. Sawtell was a Westerner - a graduate of Omaha Theological Seminary, and was the strongest man of Taiku station, physically. He was an ideal man for the pioneer work of a new station far from a railroad. The dependence of the station on him is illustrated by the fact that when Mrs. Adams died two weeks before, he had to give directions from his sick bed for the making of her coffin.
What makes us feel our loss most, from the point of view of the work, is the fact that we do not have to spend months and years of waiting before the people are willing to hear us, but right now there is a great wave of interest in Christianity in this region. Around An Dong reside very many of the Yang Bans, the ancient aristocracy of Korea, who have hitherto been the hardest class of all to reach. They were fairly well off in this world’s goods, and were self-satisfied morally, so there was little that appealed to them in the gospel. For some reason they have suddenly realized their need of something which they think is to be found in Christianity. Perhaps their ideas are not as clear as they might be as to what the gospel offers, but the point is that they are not only willing, but anxious to be taught the Bible. Past experience teaches us that such opportunities do not remain forever.
Two native [Korean] helpers went up from Taiku last summer to stay two weeks, and remained a month, teaching from the Bible and hymn-book alone, and having audiences numbering as high as 600.
Four months later two other [Korean] helpers visited the same places, and found that some groups had a regular attendance of 200. A book store has been opened in An Dong which is self-supporting, and is doing a valuable work.
11/27/09 - p.2 J.Y.C.
Such a great movement as this toward Christianity is naturally accompanied with some opposition. Dr. Erdman’s colporteur has had his books scattered about several times when he was preaching in the market-places, and once he was beaten by a fellow Korean. Another time a local official beat with a club those who were listening, but did not touch the preacher. In one of the villages, a Yang Ban who had become a believer, had his house burned down by those who opposed Christianity, but his fellow believers rebuilt it, furnishing both work and material. Mr. Kim, from near An Dong, who has been Mr. Sawtell’s language teacher, feared to go home on certain days, because his father would command him to engage in certain acts of heathen worship, and while he did not like to disobey his father, yet would not worship other gods. Most persecution in Korea is by the family of the believer, who fear that [part of letter tom off] or worshiped after their death.
The working of God’s Spirit has been especially manifest among us recently in the smoothing over of difficulties of long standing in certain churches. In a church in one of Mr. MacFarland’s [Taegu missionary] cireuits there had been two factions for a long time, whose bitterness had absolutely prevented any spiritual life there. He summoned the leaders of both sides to be present at a meeting at whieh he intended to talk on the Christian duty of forgiveness. None of the members of one faction appeared, so the talk was not given; but another summons was sent them. In the evening one of this side came to the meeting, so Mr. MacFarland gave his talk, but without apparent effect on this man. The next morning as he was leaving the town, escorted by several of the loyal members, he met the leader of the opposing faction, who said he was just coming to meet him, but nevertheless showed signs of going on. He was persuaded to return to his house, and there they talked the matter over. Mr. MacFarland urged that they should not argue as to which was in the right, but forget the past and be friends. They said again and again, “It is no use, we can not be reconciled.” Finally they knelt to pray over it, and then with strong erying and tears, the main mischief-maker confessed his sin, and asked forgiveness of God and those he had wronged. In three other ehurches troubles as serious have been solved by the Spirit. The itinerating has been very much hampered this fall by having to call in all the men twice, owing to deaths in our ranks. It is impossible to get as much done as we would like to do, with our present foree.
At a reeent communion in the local church [in Taegu], there were over a dozen baptized, and over 50 received as catechumens. This brings the roll of cateehumens to over 500, while there are about 1,000 whose names are on the roll of regular attendants. On these books is kept a record of the attendanee of everyone at the four weekly meetings of the church. There have been established this fall two braneh Sabbath Schools, which will in time grow into separate churches. At the Thanksgiving service they took up a thank offering both in money and in kind, like the diseiples of old. We are interested especially when a loeal city official subscribes 30 yen ($15.00), but doubtless the Lord was as much or more pleased with the gifts of a few handfuls of rice, beans, or sesame. The ehildren had a prominent part in the exercises of this day and acquitted themselves well, at least so it appeared to one who could understand scarcely a word they said. The tunes they sang could not be recognized by an American, but according to Korean ideas of music they were probably an improvement over the original.
Yours sincerely,
John Y. Crothers
P.S. It gives me great pleasure to record what happened the day after Thanksgiving. All the station was invited to the home of Dr. [Walter] Erdman, where there was announced the engagement of Mr. George Hinsdale Winn of Fusan, to Miss Blanche Lilian Essick, one of the PERMANENT single ladies of Taiku. While disapproving of engagements so soon after arrival on the field (they have been here barely a year), we could not help wishing them many happy returns of the day.
JYC
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #133)
Seoul, Korea
December 16, 1909
James S. Gale
My dear Dr. Brown
I have been waiting till you were home before sending you this confidential letter concerning my family and our outlook for the future. The girls and I together have had the happiest sort of life, and among the friends who have come to share our home and leave all sorts of sweet memories and impressions, you and Mrs. Brown will ever be remembered. Aimie is happy in her work and Jessie, sunny as the day is long, and yet conditions change for old people as well as young if I instance myself However much we may desire to keep life in one statu quo so to speak, it will not yield.
For young people marriage is the ideal state, no doubt, and I looked forward to it for Armie, hoping that it might be in Korea; but this is not to be, for she and my nephew, Esson McDowell Gale, whom you met in Peking, are engaged, hoping to be married perhaps next autumn. He is a Christian man and a fine student. His recent examination just passed puts him at 94%, the highest mark ever yet received by a student. Dr. Tenney has written the State Department that he has the making of a first class Chinese scholar. The Diplomatic and Consular Service means, as you so well know, much for missions. They are not wholly another world. Would that these two worlds were closer together than they are. I have always worked for a perfect understanding between the American and British consuls and our missionaries. I think I have had more to do personally with these consular representatives than any other member of our mission, always desiring that they view the opportunity for the Gospel with equally interested eye. I did not know then that I was to have so vital a link binding me to the diplomatic and consular service as I find now opening up. This is the engagement and Annie goes on with her work for another year, I hope. She will be a persistent and good missionary wherever she is, this I know, though I would have liked best to have seen her still with us here under the Board, had it so come about.
Another matter which only Annie and Jessie know and fully approve of, that I have not told as yet, I desire to mention to you and Mrs. Brown. When Annie’s engagement first became known to me last spring, I realized the loss from my home, and saw no way of filling the place left by Mrs. Gale first and then by Annie. There was one special friend of Mrs. Gale’s whom we knew first fourteen years ago in Japan. She was bom in Japan, is a thorough Oriental, speaks Japanese, and is at home in the East but not in the West. We have kept up an acquaintance all these years, have corresponded and met at times. She is now 34 years of age, and at present is living with her parents in London, England. She was the only one in the world whom I could with all my heart ask to share my home with me. I asked her and she has consented. Her brother is Charles V. Sale, chief partner of Sale & Frazar, Yokohama. Frazar is a son of Mr. Everett Frazar, formerly Korean Consul, New York City, whose home was in Orange, N.J. Mr. Chas. Sale has been president of the Chamber of Commerce, Yokohama, and is known not only as a business man of great ability, but a pronounced Christian as are the other members of the family. Sale & Frazar are agents of the Baldwin Locomotive works, I believe. At any rate, Mr. Frazar was here and sold the locomotives now mnning in Korea. I mention this to give you some idea of the standing of the family. When we first knew them they were members of the Union Church, Yokohama, then under the pastorate of Dr. Meacham, a member of the Canadian Methodist Church. Miss Ada Louise Sale is her name. She is 34 years of age, while I am 46, rather a wide difference, still she is willing, and so our engagement stands. People of forty-five and over ought never to marry, I suppose, and yet I like to think that my circumstances justify it.
12/16/09 - p.2 J.S.G.
This is altogether agreeable to Annie and Jessie, for Ada was Mamma’s model, whom she kept constantly before the girls during the years gone by. We visited their home in London three years ago and then again she and her brother came to visit us in Scotland before we left for New York.
Will this seem a foolish move to you and Mrs. Brown, I wonder? I trust not. I love companionship where it is intelligent, Christlike and beautiful, and such I am sure this will be. I feel sure that Mrs. Brown would like her just as Mrs. Gale did.
In all these changes Jessie remains our special treasure, her only danger being that she may be pulled violently between two homes, one here and one in China. She and Annie are so good about Ada’s coming , as they call her. Had it not been agreeable to them I could not have ventured to think of it.
If you wish to know more about Miss Sale, Mr. Loomis of American Bible Society, Yokohama, or Rev. J.L. Bearing, D.D., of the Baptist Mission, know her well.
In it all I know that God has guided and that she will be the help and inspiration that I need for the work.
Trusting to have Mrs. Brown’s and your good wishes and prayers for blessing -
ever yours most sincerely,
James S. Gale
P.S. We hope to be married in April next.
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #138)
Pyeng Yang, Korea
December 21, 1909
William M. Baird
My dear Dr. Brown
1 had hoped to reach you with a letter immediately upon your return home, but pressure of work in the school has precluded the possibility of accomplishing much beyond the daily round of administrative and classroom duties. Now, however, I am snatching a few moments in the midst of final examinations, to present to you as best 1 can the situation that confronts us.
Here we are with a school only eleven years old, yet with an attendance already of 577 students. It is the only collegiate institution in the whole country of Korea, and is fed, either directly or indirectly by something like 500 primary schools, representing a constituency of 12,000 pupils from North Korea alone. All of our students are professing Christians, and many of them are already engaged in active Christian work. The effect of an established system of churches and schools is beginning to tell on the character of the applicants and we have never had so fine a body of students. They are the flower of the Korean Christian church, the very best of the whole country.
I make no claim to be a prophet, and have never been accused of over-enthusiasm, but these things are not necessary in order to see that the school is in a position of towering influence, and that it bids fair to assume large proportions. Already the college is as large as the Academy was eight or nine years ago, and with the greatly increased efficiency of the primary and high school grades the country over, is likely to increase at a much more rapid rate than the earlier institution. It is also plain that if we are to enter the wide door of opportunity that opens before us, we must have more men and more means than have heretofore been deemed necessary.
With 110 daily teaching periods to be supplied, it goes without saying that the teaching force is straining every nerve. The Korean teachers and tutors, 25 in number, are doing nobly. Many of them are loaded up with work beyond what is reasonable or right. My working day begins before daylight and often does not end until late at night, and still I have often been obliged to go to my classes without having had even a little time for preparation. I speak of this to show that the principal of such a body of young men as we have even at present, cannot carry, in addition to his administrative duties, a full share of classroom work. The coming of Mr. and Mrs. Mowry, with full willingness to take up school work, brings a sense of relief for the future only. If the school is to be continued next year, even at its present size, there must be in connection with it beside the principal, two permanent equipped teachers from the Presbyterian force. The school must be divided into departments, and each teacher doing full work, must take full responsibility for a department. How this is to be accomplished with Messrs. Bemheisel and Swallen at home on furlough, has not yet appeared, but I presented the matter fully to the station a month or two ago, and am working on in the hope that some way will be providentially opened.
With regard to the means needed, you know how we are situated. Two small buildings for recitation purposes, no auditorium that will hold all the students at one time, no dormitories, little or no equipment or apparatus. Of the sum asked for by the mission, $10,000 for a recitation hall, only $5,500 have been appropriated, and even if we had the whole amount in hand, it would not be sufficient to put up a building to meet our present needs. We have been making plans for a college building, as cheap and plain a structure as is consistent with strength and permanency, and it is
12/21/09 -p.2 W.M.B.
evident that something like $15,000 will be required to erect a building that will accommodate the school. This is apart from heating apparatus or equipment of any kind.
I have written and am writing to everyone whom I think might be disposed to lend financial assistance, but have met with no response so far. If the building is to be ready for use next fall it ought to be under way now. One such as the funds in hands will put up, will not answer our purpose. To begin on a sufficiently large plan without the necessary funds in sight, would seem to savor fully as much of presumption as of faith.
I am enclosing with this a copy of an article written at Dr. Halsey’s request which deals more fully with the situation.
May 1 hope to hear from you soon with any suggestions which you may be able to make? With kindest regards to Mrs. Brown, in which Mrs. Baird joins me,
1 am Sincerely Yours,
W.M. Baird
P.S. In case that the whole sum asked for by the Propaganda Committee, $18,000 should be secured from any quarter, let me remind you of Mr. Converse’s offer to supply the final $200.
(from microfilm reel #282, Vol. 239, letter #140)