W88-0303. Women's Board of Foreign Missions.
Records, 1875-1946. 2.50 linear ft.

Abstract

The Women’s Board of Foreign Missions (WBFM) of the RCA was organized in 1875 in Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. Thirteen women, in response to a recommendation of the 1874 General Synod, met to commit themselves to the proposition that women in all parts of the world had a right to a Christian life. Through prayer and monetary gifts, the WBFM supported the schools established by the RCA for women and children at the various mission stations. The organization continued until 1946 when it was absorbed into the Board of Foreign Missions of the RCA. The collection includes annual reports, newsletters, publications, program of the month, reports on missions in China, India, Japan, and directories for the Women’s Board of Foreign Missions and Women's Board of Domestic Missions (WBDM).

Accession No.:W88-0303
Provenance:Western Theological Seminary
Donor:Western Theological Seminary
Processed by:Chad Boorsma, December 1993
Processed by:Michael Douma, June 2001

History

The Women’s Board of Foreign Missions (WBFM) of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) was organized on January 7, 1875 in Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. Thirteen women, in response to a recommendation of the 1874 General Synod, met to commit themselves to the proposition that women in all parts of the world had a right to a Christian life. Through prayer and monetary gifts, the WBFM supported the schools established by the RCA for women and children at the various mission stations. The organization continued until 1946 when it was absorbed into the Board of Foreign Missions of the RCA.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of materials from 1875 to 1946 that document the work of the WBFM. Included are annual reports (yearbooks), anniversary material, mission reports, and various Board publications. The strength of the collection lies in the annual reports which describe individuals involved in the organization, the work accomplished at each mission station, and financial dealings.

Container List

Box 1

Annual Reports
1876-1891 (incomplete)
1892-1902
1903-1912
1913-1919
1920-1923

Box 2

Annual Reports (cont.)
1924-1927
1928-1931
1932-1935
1936-1939
Catalogue of the Circulating Library, n. d.
Directories, WBFM and WBDM, 1937-1938, 1948-1951

Box 3

Guide Book for Leaders, 1935
Mission Reports, Amoy Mission (China), 1909
Mission Reports, Arcot Mission (India), 1909, 1914
Mission Reports, Japan Mission, 1909, 1914
Newsletters, 1937-1941
"Program of the Month" Series, 1935-1946
Programs, 1923
Publications, 1925-1945, n. d.

On Shelf

Annual Reports, 1875-1890, 1901-1935

Oversized, Non-Photographic Media

World Map, 1933

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