Missionary Research Library collection on the preparation of missionaries, 1920 -- 1963

After clicking 'Submit Request', users will login with their UNI and password (Columbia affiliates) or their special collections account (external users). Appointments are required and will be arranged according to each individual repository's policy.


Missionary Research Library collection on the preparation of missionaries, 1920 -- 1963

This series is open for reseach.

0.5 linear feet; 0.5 linear feet; 1 box

This series contains reports, correspondence, minutes, conference proceedings, publications, and other materials compiled by Missionary Research Library to document training and personnel procedures for missionaries. Several organizations are represented in the collection, including the Committee on Missionary Personnel of the Foreign Missions Conference of North America (FMCNA) and the Missionary Personnel Program of the National Council of Churches of Christ (NCC). The bulk of the collection contains reports and other material documenting 3 conferences that dealt specifically with missionary training: Conference on Missionary Preparation (1923), FMCNA Conference on the Training of the Ministry and Other Religious Leaders (1934), and the Meadville Missionary Training Conference (1956). This material covers several topics, including the standardization of training for lay people and indigenous bible women, the incorporation of practical experience as a part of missionary training, and the advantages and disadvantages of short-term, temporary volunteers. Additional records include minutes of the FMCNA Committee on Missionary Personnel, two reports on preparations for missionaries in Africa, and a confidential paper by Dr. Arnold Block on "Selection of Missionary Personnel," which provides case studies and discusses psychological requirements for missionary work.

This series is arranged in rough chronological order.



Box 1 Folder 1 Association of Institutions Engaged in Missionary Training, Correspondence and Reports, 1920 -- 1921


Box 1 Folder 2 Association of Institutions Engaged in Missionary Training: Committees on Training for Work Among Foreigners, Correspondence, Reports, Memorandum, 1920 -- 1922


Box 1 Folder 3 Conference on Missionary Preparation, NYC, 1923


Box 1 Folder 4-9 Conference on the Training of the Ministry and Other Religious Leaders – Commission I-VII, 1934


Box 1 Folder 10 Preparation of Missionaries for Africa, Report Prepared by Missionary Personnel Committee and Africa Committee of FMCNA, 1935


Box 1 Folder 11 Africa Handbook, General Brotherhood Board of Church of the Brethren, 1948


Box 1 Folder 12 Committee on Missionary Personnel, FMCNA – Minutes, Reports, Memorandum, 1945 -- 1953


Box 1 Folder 13 Meadville Missionary Training Conference: Report of Director; Study Fellowship , 1956 -- 1957


Box 1 Folder 14 Missionary Personnel Program, National Council of Churches of Christ – Minutes, Reports, and Memorandum, 1963