డాక్టర్ హార్ప్‌స్టర్స్ లీడర్‌షిప్ కింద (1903–05)

English original (OCR)

CHAPTER XVII

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1903-05)

AFTER the arrival the reinforcements 1go2, time was lost organizing the Mission under the new Rules and Regulations. The Mission Council all the missionaries was reconvened December 30, 1902, elected officers and thereafter met regularly every third month. Arps was chosen the representative the ordained men and Miss Schade the representative the woman missionaries the Exectuive Committee. ! Dr. Harpster, the chairman of this committee appointed the Board, was the official correspondent. succeeded Dr. Schmidt the missionary in charge the Bhimawaram and the Rajahmundry-Koru- konda districts. Fichthorn was the treasurer India and the superintendent the boys' schools Rajahmundry and Peddapur. also conducted English service every Sunday evening St. Paul's Church, Rajahmundry. At Peddapur, almost exclusively Brahmin town, about two miles west Samulkot, boys' school had been begun, in 1891, Edman private school the primary grade. When Isaacson succeeded Edman the missionary charge of the Samulkot district continued the school and devel- oped it, until April, 1903, was handed over the Mis- sion High School, recognized the Government. The Board accepted condition that Christian Bible teacher should employed. This condition was met the next year by the appointment Pastor P. V. Ratnam that position. The teaching staff, with M. Ramo Rao headmaster, then consisted eighteen qualified Hindu teachers. The enroll- ment for the year 19o4 was 475, most the pupils being of the Brahmin caste. Two buildings were used, one for the Primary, the other for the Secondary and High School depart- ! Later Isaacson was added the committee. 342

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1003-03) 343

ments. The school grew rapidly that the accommodations soon became inadequate, and new site was purchased, 1904, for $200 (Rs. 600). After his return the Mission Arps resumed charge the Dowlaishwaram district but devoted good part his time for about year the building new bungalow new site, purchased for $500. The old building had been con- structed black cotton soil and had condemned not tenantable. The new bungalow, completed 1904, to- gether with the digging the well and some improvements, cost $2937. Meanwhile Arps also superintended the con- struction new mission house-boat which cost $600, and was named '"The Augustana. " was used Dr. Harpster in the Bhimawaram district. The old "Dove Peace" was rebuilt for Neudoerffer's use the Tanuku taluk. Dr. Edman, who after Arps' return devoted himself entirely to the Tallapudi district, employed more native Christian workers than could pay with the mission funds appro- priated for his district, and contracted considerable debt. The Board officially disapproved his course action and, when learned that nevertheless continued increase the amount his indebtedness, requested his resignation. He left the Mission May, 1903, and returned the United States. Miss Martha Strempfer, who gradually succumbed the trials the climate, left Rajahmundry March 8, 1903, and returned her home Toledo, O. Miss Weiskotten, who succeeded Miss Kate Sadtler the manager the Hindu Girls' School Riverdale 190 was assisted Miss Monroe, who also aided Miss Schade in the zenana work. On January 25, 1904, Training School for Mistresses was opened connection with the Girls' Central School, which in May, that year, was recognized the Government. Before that Miss Schade had been obliged send the gradu- ates her school Guntur for training. Five girls were 1 1904 the names the boarding schools were changed 'Boy's Central School" and "Girls' Central School. "

English original (OCR)

344 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

enrolled the first training class which was lower secondary grade. order make provision for this new department addition was made the main school build- ing, 1903, expense $740, Miss Schade contributing $140 out her private purse. Miss Schade also began school for Hindu girls the weaver and shepherd castes Jamipetta, Rajahmundry, January, 1904, which commenced with enrollment thirty-five pupils, and another for girls the Sudra caste Mangalavarampetta, Rajahmundry, March the same year, which enrolled forty-three pupils. Both schools were conducted rented buildings and with both Sunday schools were connected. Meanwhile Miss Weiskotten organized three additional schools for Hindu girls: one Old Rajahmundry, Decem- ber, 1903, which was called the Bethlehem School, because it was supported Bethlehem Lutheran Church Phila- delphia; ! another Lakshmivarampetta, Rajahmundry, January, 1904, for girls the Panchama caste; and third Aryapuram, Rajahmundry, March, 19o4, for girls the Brahmin caste. These also were held rented buildings and Sunday schools were connected with them. the close the year 1904, the enrollment these schools was follows: Bethlehem, go; Lakshmivarampetta, 13; Aryapuram, 33; Riverdale, 70. The pupils these schools are not Christians but Hindus. The teachers, however, are, far possible, Christian teachers, though the headmasters, rule, have been Hindus, being difficult matter secure qualified 'hristian headmasters. For the Aryapuram school site was purchased with funds contributed Miss Weiskotten's friends America and Germany, and fine school house was erected Brahmin lawyer, M. Achutaramayya, gift from his wife. This building was opened with impressive exercises January 23, 1907. ! The Riverdale School was still being supported the Women's Missionary societies St. John's and St. Mark's churches, Philadelphia. After Miss Weiskotten's furlough America, Riverdale School was assigned St. John's alone, and St. Mark's assumed the support the Aryapuram School.

English original (OCR)

:

EE

THE ARYAPURAM HINDU GIRLS SCIIOOL

This building the gift Brahmin lawyer.

PUPILS THE ARYAPURAM SCHOOL

This school attended Brahmin girls.

English original (OCR)

CHARLOTTE SWENSON TEACHING CLASS BIBLE WOMEN

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1003-05) 345

Isaacson with his family came the United States furlough May, 1903, and Arps, addition his own dis- trict, assumed temporary charge the Samulkot district. Neudoerffer, who went Tadepalligudem March, 1903, took charge also the Tallapudi district after Edman's departure two months later. One the first achievements Dr. Harpster was the settlement the difficulty with Dr. Schmidt with regard the transfer certain mission property the Trustees the General Council for the Board. Writing from Rajahmundry under date January 19, 1903, communicated the follow- ing the Board: "In the letter instruction given for guidance when should arrive India, occurs the following: 'Dr. Harpster may note and report the Board any proposition Dr. Schmidt may make with reference the property which he has not yet transferred the Mission. " another letter, dated October 31, 1902, the following instruction given: 'Resolved, That the Executive Committee instructed treat with Dr. Schmidt, first, decide what properties belong to this Board; and, secondly, what the just value Dr. Schmidt's interests any property which our Mission has claim, and report this Board what price Dr. Schmidt's interests may purchased, itemizing the proper- ties. " The properties which Dr. Schmidt claims interest are the following: 1. The Riverdale land, which values Rs. 36,300. 2. The parcel ground once selected site of the 'Seminary' and containing thirty acres, more less, which values Rs. 3000. 3. The plot ground which the mission church Velpur stands, containing two acres, which values Rs. 400. 4. The land along the street opposite the Rajahmundry church, occupied some native houses, valued Rs. 4co. 5. Mission property much of required the Mission, value fixed. Total, Rs. 40,100 ($13,367). All the above property Dr. Schmidt agrees convey the Mission, under duly executed con- veyance, the following conditions: 1. That the General Council, acting through its Board Foreign Missions, pay

English original (OCR)

346 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

to his wife and himself, the survivor during life, three hundred dollars ($300) annually. 2. That pay his daughter, Miss Dagmar Schmidt, one years' salary, viz. five hundred dollars ($500). 3. That pay him the salary which was due him the rate which had hitherto received, up August 1, 1902, viz. , six hundred dollars ($600). "Yours faithfully, J. H. Harpster. " "I hold myself readiness carry out good faith the above agreement, provided the General Council, through its Foreign Mission Board, will, under formal document, guarantee myself and wife, the survivor during life, the annual payment the sum three hundred dollars. "H. C. Schmidt. " After mature consideration the Board resolved: "That in consideration the transfer Dr. Schmidt the Gen- eral Council good and sufficient title, clear all incum- brances, the properties mentioned, this Board agrees that Miss Dagmar Schmidt allowed the sum $500, and Dr. Schmidt allowed the sum $600, and that the same paid the appropriation $goo out the $1000 pre- viously sent Dr. Schmidt, and cash payment Dr. Schmidt for the balance, viz. , $200; and that the Board recommend to the General Council that agree pay annually Dr. Schmidt and wife, the survivor them during life, $300, from the date the conveyance the properties and giving possession thereof. " Dr. Schmidt vacated Riverdale bungalow March, 1903, and moved Kotagiri, Nilgiri Hills, where had built two houses. Dr. and Mrs. Harpster once moved into this bungalow and continued occupy long they remained in India. The payment the stipulated annuity began L After having read over the correspondence one cannot avoid the impression that Dr. Schmidt felt that had bring pressure bear upon the Board order secure pension. The Board would unquestionably have granted the pension without such pressure. Moreover, must remembered that the property which laid claim, was largely such had already donated the Mission, but which had not yet been legally transferred.

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1903-05) 347

April, 1903, although the deed transfer was not actually executed until April, 1904. During the first year medical work substantial progress was made. many 2026 new patients came the Dis- pensary, making 4998 visits. Dr. Lydia Woerner also made 432 visits patients houses and performed 84 surgical operations. Sunday schools were conducted for patients and Eurasian children the Dispensary and Medical Home. A temporary hospital was opened 19o4 rented build- ing Rajahmundry. In 1903 the Board began pursue more liberal policy the matter allowances missionaries. horse was pur- chased for each missionary needing one, and horse allowance of $80 year was granted. The summer vacation was length- ened eight weeks. The heavier furniture the bungalows was provided. Munshi (teacher's) allowance was granted new missionaries while studying the language, and additional batta (travelling allowance) was allowed for missionaries tour. The travelling expenses the members the Board, when attending meetings, were also paid. When Isaacson returned to the Mission 1904, the allowance for each child mis- slonary, over seven years age, separated from its parents to educated, was raised from $50 $100 year. At the convention the General Council® the church the Trinity, Norristown, Pa. , Friday evening, October o, 1903, the Rev. Edward H. Trafford, then pastor the Pike- land charge near Kimberton, Pa. , was commissioned foreign missionary. arrived Rajahmundry Decem- ber, that year, and after having studied the vernacular and assisted several the older missionaries, resigned January, 1908, and returned the United States. The Rev. Karl L. Wolters, called the missionary supported the Luther Leagues Buffalo, was commis- 1 Several changes occurred the membership the Board 1903. The Rev. J. J. Heischmann, D. D. , and Mr. James Dangler resigned. The General Council that year elected the following new members: The Revs. John A. W. Haas, D. D. , and George Drach, and Messrs. P. A. Rydberg, W. F. Monroe and J. Martin Rommel; but the last named declined serve and the Board elected Mr. Charles B. Opp fill the vacancy.

English original (OCR)

348 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

sioned Sunday evening, June 12, 19o4, Christus Church, Buffalo, the Rev. T. H. Becker pastor, the presence the New York Ministerium. was born October 26, 1863, Hamburg, Germany. son the Rev. Karl J. Wolters and his wife Mary Louise, née Averdieck. His father served as pastor St. Peter's Church, Hamburg, for many years. After having studied the Imperial Gymnasium, Flensborg, Germany, came the United States when was twenty- four years age. studied theology the Lutheran Seminary Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, from which was graduated 18go. For three years served the Lutheran congregation Pheenixville, Pa. , and then went Utica, N. Y. , where served eleven years. his way India he spent several months with his father Hamburg, Germany, and then proceeded Rajahmundry, which reached December, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Isaacson with their four younger children left the United States October 3, 1904, return the Mis- sion. Their two sons were left Bethany College, Linds- borg, Kansas. The daughters who were taken India were later sent school Kodaikanal. Fichthorn, having suffered severely from the climate South India, asked permitted return the United States. Permission was given, and after the Board had heard him its meeting April 21, 1904, accepted his resignation the following resolution: "Resolved, That the Board accepts the resignation the Rev. A. S. Fichthorn with regret, the resignation take effect May 1st, and hereby gives expression its sense the value the service has rendered, and its deep regret that has been unable con- tinue its employment. " contributions from his private purse and largely increased offerings from the influential congregations which afterward served-the church the Holy Communion, Philadelphia, and the church the Trinity, Norristown, whose pastorate returned November, 19o7-he more than made what the Board had expended send him India and bring him back. From October, 1905, October, 1907, served member

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1003-05) 349

of the Board. died January 29, 1912, Norristown, aged fifty-three years. Wackernagel succeeded I'ichthorn the treasurer India and the manager the boys' schools. After the title the property just outside Rajahmundry, which Dr. Schmidt had donated the site the new build- ings for the Boys' Central School, had been established beyond all uncertainty, was decided proceed once with the erection the much-needed buildings. Ten acres of adjoining land, containing lime-kiln, were purchased for $458. Plans and estimates for main building, dormitory and missionary's dwelling, prepared India, were approved by the Board September, 1904. Mr. F. J. McCready, formerly one the missionaries, was employed the super- intendent construction. The corner-stone the main building was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 23, 1905, and the contract called for the completion all the buildings eighteen months, but the illness Mr. Mc- Cready from cholera, and other matters, delayed the building operations. Charges were preferred against Pastor C. James and were investigated the ordained missionaries, meeting Ministerium February 2, 19os, the result being the definite suspension James from the office the holy ministry the Board Foreign Missions the recommendation the Ministerium. In 1905 Neudoerffer purchased for the Mission house- boat for $200, giving the name "The Canada. " The year 19go5 was marked the return Miss Charlotte Swenson the Mission, and the addition two ordained men and one woman missionary the force India. Miss Swenson, after having regained her health Cali- fornia and having been pronounced competent physicians to entirely free from every trace tuberculosis, requested the Board send her back the Mission. Recalling her excellent work during her first term service India, and being very much need some one take charge the zenana work, the Board decided send her back. fare-

English original (OCR)

350 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

well service was held the Gustavus Adolphus Swedish Lutheran Church, New York City, January 13, 1905. Miss Swenson reached Rajahmundry February 24th. She threw all her restored energy into the zenana work and managed with marked success for over year. 19o6 she reported four Bible-women work Rajahmundry and one Dow- laishwaram, 230 houses visited weekly the former and 40 in the latter town, and over 1200 women and children re- ceiving regular religious instruction from her and her Bible- women. She also began and conducted number Sunday schools different parts Rajahmundry. Her health, however, suffered under the strain her work, and January, 1908, she was granted sick-leave Australia. She returned from this trip few weeks only slightly benefited and gradually succumbed consumption, which caused her death July 20, 1908. Her life was beautiful example self-sacrificing ministry her Lord. All the mis- sionaries and native Christians paid tributes her noble character and her valuable service. She was the first woman missionary lay down her life our foreign mission field. Her body was buried the Christian cemetery Rajah- mundry. her last will and testament she bequeathed all her earthly possessions the Mission which she had faithfully and lovingly served. ! As the time Dr. Woerner's furlough drew near, the neces- sity sending out woman physician take her place during the time furlough and co-operate the medical work became pressing. Neither Miss Amy B. Rohrer nor Miss Betty A. Nilsson, under preparation medical missionaries, were ready sent out this time. Fortunately the Board heard the willingness Dr. Julia Van der Veer to India once, and after having been introduced the Board by Dr. Mary Baer the Guntur Mission, then furlough, In the Arbuthnot failure 1906 she suffered the loss all her deposits that bank, but generous friends the United States reimbursed her account. Six hundred dollars the Charlotte Swenson Fund have been invested the Board the United States. Several the women's missionary societies are gathering money increase this fund the hope that ultimately enough will be secured erect Charlotte Swenson Memorial.

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1903-05) 35I

she was duly called. She was born Bushnell, Ill. , but afterward moved with her parents Peabody, Kan. , where she attended the public school and was graduated from the High School that place. She took her medical course in the Woman's Medical College, Baltimore, the Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia, and Johns Hopkins Univer- sity. She then entered the Deaconess Home and Motherhouse of the General Synod Baltimore, and was consecrated sister that institution when she was called Rajah- mundry. The Baltimore Motherhouse released her from every obligation order permit her accept the call of the Board. She was commissioned September 24, 1905, St. Mark's English Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, and arrived Rajahmundry November 23d, that year. She took Dr. Woerner's place the medical work Rajah- mundry while the latter was furlough America. She was married January 22, 19o7, the Rev. Ernst Neu- doerffer St. Paul's Church, Rajahmundry, Dr. Harp- ster, the ceremony being performed the presence the missionaries and large congregation native Christians. This was the first wedding General Council missionaries on the field. The three years the special arrangement with the Board of Foreign Missions the General Synod for the services Dr. Harpster expired April 1, 1go5. The General Councils Board requested that permitted remain Rajahmun- dry, inasmuch his removal would disastrous the work. Upon this representation the General Synod's Board very courteously decided not disturb the arrangement and make indefinite its duration. 19o6 Dr. Harpster transferred his membership from the Maryland Synod the Pennsylvania Ministerium and thus became missionary the General Council the service its Board. The two ordained men sent out 1go5 were the Revs. O. L. Larson and O. O. Eckardt. Oscar Leonard Larson, son Lars Peter Larson and his wife Maria, née Johnson, was born July 2, 1876, Mead, Neb. studied Luther Academy, Wahoo, Neb. , and

English original (OCR)

352 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

then entered Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill. , from which was graduated 19o2. Three years later, having taken the theological course Augustana Seminary, was ordained the meeting the Augustana Synod, June 11, 190s, Stanton, Ia. Ten days afterward married Lillie Olivia Liliedahl Swedesburg, Neb. Having accepted the call the Board Foreign Missions, was commissioned at the convention the General Council the church the Redeemer, Milwaukee, Wis. , October 12, 1905. the com- pany the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Eckardt they sailed from Philadelphia, and, after spending few weeks Sweden, they proceeded Rajahmundry, which was reached January 16, 1906. Olaus Olson Eckardt, son Olaf Martin Anderson and his wife Agneta, née Anderson, was born May 19, 1872, Lur, Bohnslaen Province, Sweden. came the United States the age seventeen. studied Upsala Col- lege and completed his classical course Augustana College. After having begun his theological studies the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Chicago, finished Augustana Seminary from which was graduated 19o5. was ordained the same time the Rev. Mr. Larson. September 27, 1905, married Julia Amelia Swanson, Cambridge, Ill. Commissioned together with Mr. Larson, he accompanied him India. The Young Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society the First Swedish Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. , for number years has contributed

part Mr. Eckardt's salary.

Parallel with the development the Mission and the in- crease missionaries effort was made the Board, 1905, provide for more efficient home administration the distribution its members into standing committees, each charged with some particular branch the mission work. On the recommendation the Finance Committee special fund was created and maintained India, 1905, known the Emergency Fund from which small, incidental expenses are paid needed, thus obviating the necessity continually sending little sums money for special purposes. form

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1903-05) 353

contract between the Board and its missionaries, still use, was adopted 1905. The business management "The Foreign Missionary" was transferred July 1, 1905, the Board Publication of the General Council. the close that year the Rev. E. E. Sibole, D. D. , resigned the editor "The Foreign Missionary, " after twelve years efficient and faithful service in that capacity. The editorship this paper, after brief period under the Rev. William Ashmead Schaeffer, D. D. , was entrusted the General Secretary the Board, the Rev. George Drach. ? During the early part 19o5, much attention was given by the Board the matter securing some one who could attend its meetings and who should give all his time its interests and act its executive. This officer was called the General Secretary and his duties were defined follows: "He shall give the President, Secretaries and Editors the papers, such clerical assistance the Board may deter- mine from time time. '""He shall present each meeting the Board list all letters and reports received from the missionaries since the former meeting, together with outline the contents and a statement the points requiring action; and may offer suggestions for proper action and shall ready furnish any letters included the list, for consideration the Board. "He shall file and preserve index all letters etc. , and from the missionaries, also copies all correspondence from the Board, and shall keep for reference account of the business, treasury, schools and other work the missionaries. "He shall represent the Board before the synods, conven- tions and congregations, directed the Board, during the interval the President. "He shall devise and recommend means the Board for 1 See General Council Minutes, 1903, page 45. *In the place Dr. J. A. W. Haas, resigned July, 1904, the Rev. John A. Weyl was elected member the Board, and the place Dr. C. A. Blomgren, resigned October, 1904, Dr. G. Nelsenius was elected. 23

English original (OCR)

354 THE TELUGU MISSION THE GENERAL COUNCIL

increasing the income and developing the interest the Church. "He shall, circumstances may require, gather and pre- sent the Board information the methods other Missions. '""He shall every meeting the Board give detailed report his work. '"'He shall ready spend least six months and not more than year India, study the conditions, case the Board should require. " The Rev. George Drach, member the Board, then pastor of St. Stephen's Church, West Philadelphia, was chosen fill this new office. George Drach, eldest son John Peter Drach and his wife S. A. Pauline, née Simon, was born September 3, 1873, Greenport, Long Island, N. Y. After having attended the public school that village and passed through the two lower grades the High School, went Rochester, N. Y. , study Wagner Memorial Lutheran College from which was graduated 1892. studied theology the Seminary Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, and was ordained 1895, the meeting the New York Ministerium, St. Peter's German Lutheran Church, Brooklyn, N. Y. After having supplied the pulpit the church the Ascension, Met. Airy, Philadelphia, during the summer months 1895, became the assistant pastor Trinity Church, Reading, Pa. , remaining, after the resignation the Rev. J. Fry, D. D. , supply the pulpit until successor had been elected. Having received and accepted call become pastor St. Stephen's Church, West Philadelphia, began his pastorate there June, 1897, serving for eight years, until became the Gen- eral Secretary the Board. married October 19, 1899, Marie Douglas Sterr Philadelphia, granddaughter, on her mother's side, the Rev. C. F. Welden, D. D. In its report the General Council 1905, the Board recommended ''that November 29th date near then duly commemorated our churches bicentenary the sailing Bartholomew Ziegenbalg and Heinrich Pluetschau

English original (OCR)

UNDER DR. HARPSTER'S LEADERSHIP (1903-05) 355

to India and the foundation not only Lutheran but Protestant Foreign Missions. " This recommendation was heartily adopted and many churches the bicentennial was observed. The Board issued special appeal for its obser- vance, and its President and General Secretary delivered number commemorative addresses large gatherings Philadelphia and elsewhere. In the Introduction the Report the American Evan- gelical Lutheran Mission the Godavery District, India, for the year 19o4, presented the Board the General Council 1905, Dr. Harpster wrote: '" call especial atten- tion the statistical exhibit the year. Unless this given, an intelligent grasp the work cannot gained. almost every item our report shows increase. The additions baptisms during the year were 2056. Our baptized mem- bership now numbers 11,038. The number inquirers, viz. , the number undergoing instruction the fundamental doc- trines Christianity, with more less earnestness their

part, 2228. The pupils our mission schools number

5227-a very gratifying increase over the previous report. In money and kind our people gave during the year Rs. 2577-9-11 ($859), increase Rs. 1779-7-2. The num- ber congregations according the statistical table increased by 24. " The following table statistics shows the notable increase in every department the mission. 18go0. 1805. 1900. 1005. Foreign missionaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 7 5 9 Woman missionaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3 5 7 Native pastors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 2 Native helpers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 138 140 235 Congregations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 200 210 270 Christians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3056 5036 6150 12,822 Pupilsin school. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1473 2719 3500 5,736