International Missionary Union records, 1849 -- 1932

Collection context

Creator:
International Missionary Union
Abstract:
The International Missionary Union was an organization of international evangelical missions dedicated to diffusion of missionary intelligence, discussion of missionary topics, and increase of mutual acquaintance among missionaries of different churches and countries. The collection contains photographs, articles, member rolls, pamphlets, minutes and administrative records, correspondence, and one Syriac language journal.
Extent:
3.25 linear feet 3.25 linear feet; 3 boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains photographs, articles, member rolls, pamphlets, minutes and administrative records, correspondence, and one Syriac language journal relating to the International Missionary Union. Many of the photographs depict members at Clifton Springs, New York during the organization's annual meetings; the bulk of the group photographs in this collection were taken on the steps of the Sanitarium. Some newspaper articles are from Latin American countries (in Spanish); also included is an article from the New York Times regarding U.S. actions in Nicaragua and Honduras. Administrative records include minutes of the meetings of The Board of Control of the International Missionary Union, as well as the Deed of Trust from Henry Foster and Mary E. Foster to "The Clifton Springs Sanitarium Company" (July 9, 1891) and the original handwritten Constitution of the IMU.

Biographical / historical:

The International Missionary Union was an organization of international evangelical missions dedicated to diffusion of missionary intelligence, discussion of missionary topics, and increase of mutual acquaintance among missionaries of different churches and countries. Founded in 1884 in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, it was the brainchild of Rev. W.B. Osborn, pastor of a local Niagara Falls Church and former missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church in India. The Rev. John T. Gracey, D.D., also a former missionary in India, organized the first week of missionary meetings at Rev. Osborn's request; annual meetings of the IMU evolved from the initial assemblies. The IMU was dedicated to fostering dialogues with other Christian missionaries and churches worldwide. The Rev. William H. Belden, Secretary of the Union in 1890, noted that the Union was not affiliated with any specific denomination, did not elect delegates, and was independent of other missionary organizations. Its sole purpose was for international Christian missionaries to exchange ideas and experiences in order to enhance and expand their own missions and provide support to fellow missionaries in the context of their work. The diffusion of missionary information and the cultivating of relationships among missionaries serving in different countries and representing different churches was one of the principal objectives of the International Missionary Union. In 1890, the International Missionary Union found a permanent home for its annual meetings thanks to the generosity of Dr. Henry Foster of Clifton Springs, N.Y. Foster, known for his dedication to The Clifton Springs Sanitarium and his fervent belief that he had been visited by the Holy Spirit, in 1891 provided the Deed of Trust to The International Missionary Union, and also provided lodging for the missionaries at the Clifton Springs Sanitarium, a facility he owned. The sanitarium continued to host the IMU meetings throughout its existence except for two instances. The dissolution of the IMU resulted from the development of other specialized missionary organizations focusing on topics such as agriculture, medicine, and education; the financial hardships created by the Great Depression; and the increasing awareness of the need for academic development of international missionaries. On April 7, 1932, the six-member Board of Control of the International Missionary Union agreed to dissolve the organization effective December 31, 1932. The funds, records, and other artifacts of the IMU were passed over to the Foreign Missions Conference of North America.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Onsite storage.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, MRL12: International Missionary Union records, 1849-1932, box #, folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
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