ముఖ్యమైన సంఘటనలు (1878–79)

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CHAPTER

IMPORTANT EVENTS (1878-70)

THE conversion the old mission house, erected Valett in 1845, into church, was important event the history of the Rajahmundry Mission. The new building its very appearance churchliness, without and within, testified that the Christian religion was beginning make itself felt definite and permanent force the life the native converts. It was built bricks with shingle roof, both being made native Christians under the direction Schmidt. The ground plan cruciform, the length the building, including the tower the east end, being 70 feet, the width 20 feet. Two schoolrooms were attached the ends the main building on the north side. resident English lawyer donated the pulpit. The baptismal font was purchased with money sent from Denmark friends Mrs. Schmidt. The first commu- nion vessels used the church had interesting history. One of the cups was the gift Schmidt's father who gave Groenning, when first went India. second cup the same size and pattern had been presented Groenning Poulsen. third cup had been used the Wandsbecker Bote, Claudius, and had been presented Schmidt friends in Luebeck, when passed through that place his way India. The paten was the gift friends Denmark. was the original intention the missionaries and the Com- mittee America build the church memorial Dr. C. F. Heyer, using the sum money had bequeathed the Mission for its erection; but Heyer's estate was not settled until 1879, and then only $290 the $1000 bequeathed was secured. The church was finished the fall 1878 and consecrated Christmas day, that year, receiving the name St. Paul's Church. Early 1878 the first lace was sent from Rajahmundry Philadelphia. was made the older girls Mrs. Schmidt's 184

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ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, RAJAHMUNDRY

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THE MISSION CHAPEL VELPUR

Similar chapels have been built number other villages, but, rule, the native congregations meet mud-walled, thatch-roofed prayer houses.

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IMPORTANT EVENTS (1878-79) 185

sewing class. "My sewing class meets every day from 12 2 o'clock, " wrote Mrs. Schmidt. "Boys well girls come. It takes time and patience teach them, but those who are diligent soon learn good work. furnish all the material, such needles, thimbles and thread. The older girls crochet and tracing. was glad able buy the lace made the women during the time famine, especially because the suggestion earning something this way came from them. Now have more lace than can dispose here, and going send some America, where may find sale. ! Poulsen undertook short tour July, 1878, the "Dove of Peace. "" took his wife and children? and his catechist, Joseph, with him. Jegurupad baptized woman her death-bed, who had left her husband when, several years before, had become Christian. the same time baptized two their children. Muramunda baptized three young women, daughters heathen parents, one whom was widow, and another the wife Christian absent Rangoon. On September 23, 1878, daughter was born Rev. and Mrs. Schmidt, who her baptism received the name Dagmar Inger Dorothea. Two days after her baptism, October 8th, Poulsen with his family left for Vellore and Madras sick leave, and was absent from Rajahmundry over two months. In March, 1878, communication from the missionaries was read the Foreign Missions Committee, asking for per- mission ordain the catechists Joseph and Paulus the office the holy ministry. The Committee granted the re- quest its meeting May, and the Synod Pennsylvania at Easton, Pa. , June 18, 1878, authorized their ordination.3 ! The June number the "Missionsbote, " 1878, contained notice offering this lace for sale. sold readily 8 and 10 cents yard. 2 September 2, 1875, son had been born Rev. and Mrs. Poulsen, who his baptism received the name Aage Iver. 3 conference with the catechists December 1st, Schmidt officially informed them the authorization received from America and had them sign the following agreement: "1. The end view every Mission must the establishment independ- ent native churches with native pastors. "2. the event the ordination Joseph and Paulus, the General Council

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186 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

After serious illness three weeks Schmidt was again well enough Christmas, 1878, take part the services of that season, which included not only the usual celebration of the festival but more especially the consecration the new church Rajahmundry and the ordination Joseph and Paulus. These services began 8 o'clock the morning. More than two hundred Christians were present, and many heathen gathered about the doors and the windows the church. Poulsen preached Telugu and Schmidt English. Then came the formal consecration the building the wor- ship the only True God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The solemn ordination the catechists closed the service the morning, which lasted three hours. During the service three adults and two infants were baptized. Joseph and Paulus wore white gowns; Schmidt and Poulsen black ones. The candidates knelt the altar and were ordained the mis- sionaries the laying hands and prayer. The administration the Lord's Supper the congregation fol- lowed the ordination, the newly ordained native pastors assisting the distribution. the afternoon the usual Christmas dinner was served the Christians the mission compound the expense the English judge. At conference missionaries and native pastors, held the day after Christmas, was resolved ask the Com- mittee America increase the salary the native pastor to Rs. 25 month with travelling allowance 5 annas for each day spent tour beyond six miles from the pastor's promises pay future their salaries, namely, Rs. 20 per month and travelling expenses. "3. They are reside central village and the pastors number surrounding villages, where they are try develop independent ministry. A district assigned them for special evangelistic work among the heathen. They are accompany the missionaries longer mission tours. "4. The foreign missionaries are remain superintendents these congre- gations; but they are regard the native pastors fellow-ministers who with them are members the General Council the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America. "s. With regard money received from foreign sources the foreign mis- sionaries remain the only agents, but with regard money collected their own congregations, the native pastors have equal vote with the foreign mis- sionaries. "6. soon third missionary arrives, church government vested in Conference Synod. "

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IMPORTANT EVENTS (1878-79) 187

residence. was, moreover, resolved exact fee Rs. 2 annually, payable advance, for each seat the church at Rajahmundry, those paying fees have the privilege of using the mat. adjourned meeting, December 29th, system fees for Christians outside Rajahmundry was devised for the building, repair and maintenance churches and schools; but the Committee America disap- proved the system and advised the encouragement voluntary hut systematic contributions. A forward step far-reaching importance was taken the American Committee November, 1877, when resolved to publish German organ 'in which the wants and claims of our Telugu Mission could find adequate expression, and through which our congregations could interested its behalf. " The Rev. F. Wischan was elected editor-in-chief, the Revs. A. Spaeth, D. D. , and H. Grahn associate editors. The first number "Der Missionsbote, " the new paper was called, appeared the first week January, 1878, and thereafter monthly. The number subscriptions rose during the year 8ooo. Every year the accounts showed profit, which was turned into the General Fund. But the most important step the year 1878 was the sending out the fifth foreign missionary the General Council, the Rev. A. B. Carlson, Swede, and the first man wholly trained America become General Council foreign missionary. Augustus B. Carlson was born Doederhult, Sweden, August 16, 1846. emigrated the United States when was seventeen years age, and after attending Knox College, Galesburg, Ill, studied theology the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary Philadelphia, from which was graduated 1878. the close his senior year received and accepted the call India. was ordained the Swedish Augustana Synod, June 16, 1878, Princeton, Ill. ! The year ended India with balance $379 the mission treasury, $4000 having been received from America and $126 from the friends the Mission living Rajahmundry. Schmidt's expenditures for district and school work had amounted $973; Poulsen's, $520; and the new church building had required $520 additional, $r120 all.

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188 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

Two weeks after his ordination, May 31st, Philadelphia, he married Miss Hilda Linsky. was solemnly commis- sioned for service our foreign mission the morning June 24th, service held Zion's and St. Michael's Church, Philadelphia. The Rev. A. Spaeth, D. D. , chairman the Foreign Missions Committee, delivered the charge the missionary, addressing him the following words: "I ask you, dear brother, you believe and confess the teachings our Evangelical Lutheran Church, and promise teach conformity with her Confessions missionary among the heathen, and adorn the doctrines the Church holy walk and conversation? Are you willing and ready devote your life the holy calling and work missionary with all your mind and strength, though you may called upon lay down your life for the Name Jesus? " Thereupon the missionary answered that all the church heard him: 'Yes, the Lord helping through the power His Holy Spirit. " Kneeling, was commissioned with the laying hands, Dr. Spaeth repeating John 15:16 German; Dr. Schmucker, Acts 20: 24 English; and Rev. Mr. Lindberg, John 15:4 and Psalm 121:8 Swedish. After the missionary had risen, Dr. Spaeth addressed the congregation, saying, "And now, dear congregation, forget not this solemn hour and all this which have been witnesses. whom we have here commissioned for service our mission field your messenger. Remember him and our Mission your prayers. Pray for him earnest, continual supplications. His work your work; his conflict, your conflict; his victory, your victory. " The offering this service was used for the purchase organ for the Rajahmundry church, costing $155, which had been displayed the Centennial Exhibition Philadelphia. The Rev. A. T. Geissenhainer presented the missionary with a silver communion set for use the Mission. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson sailed from New York June 26, 1878 visited his parents Sweden, took ship Trieste, passed through the Suez Canal, reached Madras January 14, 1879, and Coconada eight days later. Coconada Schmidt met

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IMPORTANT EVENTS (1878-79) 189

them with the "Dove Peace, " and brought them Rajah- mundry. Happy beyond expression were the missionaries the field because, after waiting eight years, hoping almost against hope, they could grasp the hand another co- laborer. On February 3, 1879, Mission Conference was formally organized, Schmidt being elected President, and Poulsen Secretary and Treasurer. was resolved that Carlson should conduct regular English services St. Paul's Church, Rajah- mundry, for the benefit the English-speaking families. Pastor Joseph was stationed Jegurupad and Pastor Paulus at Velpur. Each baptized twenty-five persons the first May. Joseph visited Muramunda, Peravaram and Lolla the east side the Godavery River; Paulus was given Malla- pudi, Jagganathpuram, Mahadevipatnam and Argatipalem on the west side. The wisdom their ordination and appoint- ment special parishes soon became evident. Unlike the foreign missionaries, they had building operations super- intend, boats build, salaries distribute, work any secular kind whatever do. Accustomed the climate, thoroughly familiar with the habits thought and modes life their own country, having good command the con- versational vernacular, these sons the soil, Telugus the Telugus, whom all foreign missionaries who had known them- Heyer, Groenning, Schmidt and Poulsen-had recommended for ordination, proved power for good the Mission that can scarcely overestimated. Another native Christian, who from the day his baptism was great service the missionaries, was Ratnam. After having spent year Schmidt's Telugu teacher, was given charge the school Rajahmundry, when Paulus and Joseph left for their respective stations January, 1879. April he reported attendance twenty-three pupils, boys and girls, two classes. the first class the following branches were taught Telugu: Bible History, New Testament Read- ings, Luther's Small Catechism, Telugu Language (Fourth Book), Telugu History, Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic and Writing. The second class had two divisions. Divi-

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IQ0 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

sion A, the Telugu Language (Second Book), Catechism, Old Testament History, Arithmetic and Writing were taught; in Division B, Telugu (First Book) and Arithmetic muléi- plication. The boarding boys, whom there were eleven, attended part the Rajahmundry mission school and part the Government schools the town, all them meeting Missionary Poulsen for one hour religious instruction each day. This arrangement was very unsatisfactory. The mis- sionaries desired have mission school higher grade, and presented its claims the Committee America, which, consequence, reported the General Council Zanesville, O. , 1879, follows: "We are deeply impressed with the importance elevating the grade our provision for instruction. The schools, present, are entirely Telugu, and furnish means for completing the training the teachers and catechists. This must done the Government schools, from which all Christian instruction excluded. cannot hope obtain qualified teachers from other Missions, and have training-school our own. Our present force not adequate. The first necessity, therefore, more laborers. If good teachers could sent out, the want might partially supplied. The Conference has proposed the re-occupation Samulkot place well adapted for advanced school, there being government school that place; but the absence a Christian congregation there makes doubt whether the step advisable until our number laborers larger. " It was hoped that Carlson, because his familiarity with the English language, might fit himself time become the manager training-school for native workers, but this hope was blasted Carlson's early death. Schmidt, greatly needing protracted vacation, left Rajah- mundry, with his wife and infant daughter, March 19, 1879, for the Nilgiri Hills. From Madras they went Coimbatore, where for three days they were the guests the Leipsic mis- sionary, Sandegren. Then bullock cart they travelled Coonoor and farther Ootacamund, which lies ele- vation 8ooo feet above sea-level, and where April and May, the hottest months the plains, the average tempera-

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IMPORTANT EVENTS (1878-79) 191

ture about 60° Fahrenheit. Here they spent two months, thoroughly enjoying the cool mountain air, which renewed their health and strength, and the pleasant fellowship other missionaries and their families, well English officials; for Ootacamund had become one the favorite vacation resorts South India. June and July were spent Banga- lore, where Schmidt met and labored with Commission eleven other missionaries the revision the Telugu Bible. ! After leaving Bangalore, July 31st, the Schmidts went the Basel Mission station Calicut the west coast, because 1 The first printed translation the New Testament into Telugu was done by Brahmins under the supervision William Carey Serampur 1818, but was entirely useless. The first translation which could used was made by Missionary Gordon and other missionaries the London Missionary Society at Vizagapatam, who translated the Old Testament 1809-23. This trans- lation was published the Madras Auxiliary Bible Society. revision this translation made the Rev. J. Hay formed the basis the work the commission. Six hours day were given the work. 8 o'clock the morning the commissioners met around long table, the chairman, Dr. Cham- berlain the American Dutch Reformed Church Mission, sitting one end and the Rev. Mr. Hay the other. After Scripture lesson and prayer, the day's work began with review the previous day's revision. Then new work was taken up, Rev. Mr. Hay reading his manuscript sentence sentence. The Greek versions Tischendorf, Tragelles and Lachmann were used well as the Hebrew original. Dr. Chamberlain compared the translation suggested with the originals every case. Dr. Jewett the American Baptist Mission, had the Sanscrit and Wette's German translation before him. Dr. Alex- ander the C. M. S. , Ellore, had the English versions; Rev. Mr. Clay the Propagation Society, the Tamil; Rev. Mr. Lewis the London Society, the Canarese and Urdu; Rev. H. C. Schmidt the American Lutheran Mission, Rajahmundry, the Danish and Luther's German. Several native pastors rendered valuable assistance suggesting the suitable Telugu diction. Mr. Schmidt gives the final revision Matthew 7: 21 sample Telugu construction, follows: 'Lord, Lord, saying everyone not, but heaven being Father's will who doing, shall into the kingdom heaven come. " Such words Heaven, Gehenna, Hades, sacrifice, law, judgment gave the commission much difficulty, until finally words used Hindu mythology were employed the hope that their Christian use would eventually sanctify them. Where this method seemed dangerous questionable, Sanscrit terms were employed. When the close Matthew's Gospel was reached the Baptists the Com- mission insisted that the participles baptizing and teaching should rendered the imperative, but the necessity placing the main verb "make disciples, " according Telugu syntax, the end the whole sentence, perplexed them considerably, for clearly upset their Baptist theory. For the word "bap- tize, " however, they did not insist the use the Telugu word for immerse, for figurative sense that also means deceive. The use the Greek term '"baptizo" was rejected and finally the word ''snanamu, " used Telugus for their ceremonial washings, was adopted. The Commission resolved meet for two months every year, each member working independently interim, until the revision had been completed.

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I02 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

Schmidt wanted see their industrial work. They were back in Rajahmundry the end August. While Schmidt was away, Poulsen, who supervised all the mission work, had attack typhus fever from which he could not fully recover, and his return Europe was urged by his family physician. The Foreign Missions Committee granted him furlough, begin the spring 1880. In August, 1879, the following table statistics was sent America: Chris- Commun- Pupils. tians. ! icants. Boys. Girls. Rajahmundry and Dowlaishwaram, V. Ratnam. . . . . 86 44 27 18 Pastor Paulus' Parish: Velpur, H. Alfred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 20 3 6 Mallipudi, E. John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4 5 Batlamungutur, K. Prakasam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 5 Jagganathpuram, C. Matthew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 11 3 3 Mahadevipatnam, N. Stephen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 6 6 Agartipalem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 6 Pastor Joseph's Parish: Jegurupad, Pastor Joseph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 36 6 6 Muramunda, M. William. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 28 7 Peravaram, B. John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 12 3 Lolla. . . . . coun 10 4 Totals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334 I7I 74 42 One the encouraging features the closing years the first decade the history the India Mission was the in- crease financial support from America. much $5525 was received India from America 1879, and the total income the mission treasury, including balance the previous year and $155 from local contributors, amounted $7103.90. The total expenditures amounted $4435.68, including the salaries the three missionaries, each whom received $1000, leaving balance, the close 1879, $2668.22. The accounts India did not, however, adequately express the actual increase effort the part the Church home, for there were many items expenditure connected with the affairs home and the sending out Carlson which were not 1 The total number baptisms the Mission, the end the year 1879, that is, for the first ten years the work the missionaries the General Council, was 400.

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IMPORTANT EVENTS (1878-79) 193

entered the books India. The following table income and expenditure America will, therefore, serve give better idea this increase. The figures are taken from the reports the treasurer the General Council: 1870. 1871. 1872. Income. . . . . . . . . . . . coviiiinnon. . $2480.49 $3065.00 $4555.79 Expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005.74 2861.32 2276.29 Balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414.75 203.68 2270.50 1873. 1874. 1875. Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6148.74 $5368.00 $3385.13 Expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3879.24 4008.96 2071.66 Balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2269.50 1350.04 313.47. 1876. 1877. 1878, 1870. Income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2074.46 $5877.41 $13,003.67 Expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2800.56 4347.68 12,821.72 Balance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167.90 1520.73 181.95 At the convention the General Council Zanesville, O. , in 1879, the Foreign Missions Committee suggested that its membership enlarged permit some representation from the Swedish Augustana Synod, which was beginning contribute several hundred dollars annually. conse- quence the following members were added: Rev. C. J. Petri and Rev. Samuel Laird, D. D. The committee was also empowered fill all vacancies and add others its mem- bership, found necessary. Philadelphia was designated as the geographical center with reference which the Com- mittee should the future constituted. The "Missionsbote" had become such successful venture, having increased its subscribers 13,000, that the General Council authorized and instructed its Committee Foreign Missions publish also English organ for the development of interest among the churches which used that language. The Committee once, November, 1879, resolved publish four-page paper, similar "The Church Messenger" in style and form, and elected the Rev. William Ashmead Schaeffer editor-in-chief, and the Rev. B. M. Schmucker, D. D. , associate editor. The first number this paper, "The Foreign Missionary, " appeared January, 1880, and there- after regularly every month. 13

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104 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

As the work India spread and the interest America grew, the need more missionaries was more urgently pre- sented. The Committee pleaded Zanesville for men from America. pointed out the fact that the missionaries who had been laboring Rajahmundry, had all been born Europe, and that the General Council had not yet furnished one missionary who had been both born and educated the United States. "This, " said the Committee, 'is surely cause for shame and repentance. " Their appeal moved the General Council pass the following resolution: 'Resolved, That inasmuch our Telugu Mission greatly needs more laborers, and believing that the imperative duty the General Council provide for this need, we, pastors and delegates, earnestly praying the Lord send more laborers into the field, will work diligently our synods, congregations, Sunday schools and families awaken deeper interest the great work foreign missions. " God heard the prayers His Church and soon raised number men for the Mission India.

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v

TIIE HIN

DU

Creator; Vishnu The Brahma, - 4 2.

PEAT

MON

KEY

THE

He has the body and legs human head and tail

TRIAD

F GODS:

The Preserver; z

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A ( )

ayy o pr

J

GOD HANUMAN

being with five arms each side and the of monkey.

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KEY

)

ROAD KARTER

1. Hindu Temple. 2. School Inspector's Office. 3. Hindu Temple. 4. Inn. 6. Toll-Gale, 6. (#urls' Cenlral School. 7. District Jail, CRAKuNDA ROAC 8. Toll-Gute, 9 10. Tanks, 11, Julge's Court. 12, Punc¢ham: School. 13. Munsif's Court. 14. Rwverdale Girls' School. 15. Chivf Eng'r's Bungalow. 16. Anglican Church. 17. Roman Catholic Church. IX. Bungalow. 19. St. Paul's Church. 20. Godaveri Rk. R. Station,

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21. Judge's Bungalow, 22, Inn. 23. Former Post Office. 24, & B. Hindu Temples. 25. Municipal Boys' School. 26 Government Girls' School, 27. Municipal Hospital. 28. A. Police Sta. B. Mosque. 29. Inn. 30. Hindu Temple. 31. Rk. R. Freight Station. 32, Municipal Primary Boys' School. 33 Government College. 34-35. Tanks. 36 Anlnn. 37. College Compus. 38. Edward Primary Boys' School, 3). Agency Collector's Ottice. 40. Magistrate's Court. 41. Taluk Court. 42, Telegraph Office. 43, Art's College. 41. Toll-Gate. 45, Rajahmundry R. R. Sta, 46. Halcott's Garden. 47. Girls' School, Jamipelila. 43. Lackshmwarampella 43. ¢ Mangalavarampetta. 69. Munshigaru Subhharayvudu's H'se 61. Dispensary, A. £ L. Mission, 6). Girls' School, Bethlehem. 63. Medical Home, New Hosp'l Site) S1. Sunday School ( Miss Swenson). 85. Gurls' School, Aryapuram, Museum Garden. . New Yost Oftice. . Zenana flome. . Riverdale Rungolow, . English Club House. . Cemetery, A. FE. L. Mission, . New Boys' Central School. . New Boys' Central School, Dormilory. . New Boys' Central School, Mgr's Bungalow. . Woman's and Children's Temp. Hospital. . Missionary's Bungalow, Church Compound. . Boys' High School. 68. Missionaries' Ruraalow, (Mrs. Taylor's). 69-70. Sunday Schou, (Miss Swenson).

\0 79 SEPOYY

5) Scale 2inches rorne mile

RAJAHMUNDRY,

INDIA.

MAP RAJAHMUNDRY 1910