Rheinische Missionsgesellschaft reports, 1897 -- 1912
Collection context
- Creator:
- Rheinische Missionsgesellschaft
- Abstract:
- This collection contains copies of handwritten and typed reports, in German, from the Rheinische Missionsgesellschaft (Rhenish Missionary Society) missionaries located in Southern Africa, Borneo, Sumatra, Nias and New Guinea.
- Extent:
- 0.5 linear feet 0.5 linear feet; 1 box
- Language:
- German .
- Scope and content:
-
This series contains copies of handwritten and typed reports, in German, from the Rheinische Missionsgesellschaft (Rhenish Missionary Society) missionaries located in Southern Africa, Borneo, Sumatra, Nias and New Guinea. Reports discuss progress, experiences of other missionaries, as well as events in each location, such as the Herero uprisings of 1904 in South Africa. The majority of reports are written by J. Spiecker, with others interspersed from such people as G. Haussleiter and R. Wegner.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The Rhenish Missionary Society from Germany was formed in September 1828 as a unification of the Elberfeld Missionary Society of 1799; the Barmen Missionary Society of 1818; the Wesel Missionary Society of 1822; and the Cologne Missionary Society of 1822. It was officially recognized by the King of Prussia in June 1829. The RMS was the largest of the German Protestant Missionary Societies. Along with Southern Africa, it was established in Borneo, China, Batakland/Sumatra, Nias and New Guinea.
The RMS had a tempestuous relationship with South Africa; however the time from 1894 to 1904 was relatively peaceful. This sharply ended with the Herero uprisings of 1904. Over the next ten years leading to World War I, Germany increased its military presence in Africa to maintain peace. During this time, the number of converts increased dramatically, as did the number of missionaries. The RMS began to focus their efforts in places other than South Africa.
In 1971, the RMS merged with the Bethel Mission to form the Vereinigten Evangelischen Mission (United Evangelical Mission).
The RMS had a tempestuous relationship with South Africa, however the time from 1894 to 1904 was relatively peaceful. This ended with the Herero uprisings of 1904. Over the next ten years leading to World War I, Germany increased its military presence in Africa to maintain peace. During this time, the number of converts increased dramatically, as did the number of missionaries. The RMS began to focus their efforts in places other than South Africa. In 1971, the RMS merged with the Bethel Mission to form the Vereinigten Evangelischen Mission (United Evangelical Mission).
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This 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, MRL1: Rheinische Missiongesellschaft Reports, 1897-1912, box #, folder #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
- Contact:
- burke@library.columbia.edu