Chinese Student Christian Association in North America

Dates:

Active 1909

Active 1952

Biographical notes:

The Chinese Students' Christian Association was organized in 1909 by four students from the universities of Yale, Columbia, Harvard and Michigan. The purpose of the Association was to foster Christian morals and friendships, and to unite Chinese Christian students living in American society. The Association provided practical services to Chinese students who were arriving from China, going to China or Europe, looking for homes or employment, needing to make purchases, or in need of other assistance.

From the description of Chinese Students' Christian Association in North America records, 1909-1952 (inclusive). (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 702165218

From the description of Chinese Students' Christian Association in North America records, 1909-1952 (inclusive) [microform]. (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 213802266

The Chinese Students' Christian Association was organized in 1909 under the leadership of Dr. C. T. Wang, Dr. P. W. Kuo, Dr. David Z. T. Yui, and Dr. W. C. Chen, then students at Yale, Columbia, Harvard, and Michigan respectively. The national Association had its central office in New York City. Its affairs were directed by a Central Executive Board composed of officers of its regional departments. Local units were formed where there were five or more students in harmony with the purpose of the Association. In 1949 the Association had 1,200 members in twenty-five local chapters. The Association was affiliated with the Committee on Friendly Relations Among Foreign Students of the International Committee of the Y.M.C.A.s of North America, the National Committee of the Y.M.C.A. in China, the Chinese Students' Christian Union of Great Britain and the Chinese Y.M.C.A. in France. The purpose of the Association was defined as follows in a 1931 publication:

To cultivate among the members and friends the Christ-like spirit and to apply His teachings in their daily lives and activities. To build strong moral character and to foster the spirit of self-sacrifice and self-development by rendering service to members. To unite those students in cooperative efforts for promoting programs and activities of the Association on various campuses. To study and understand American life and society; and to interpret Chinese culture and civilization to America through writing, speaking, dramatics and friendly contacts.

The Association provided practical services to Chinese students who were arriving from China, going to China or Europe, looking for homes or employment, needing to make purchases, or in need of other assistance.

From the guide to the Archives of the Chinese Students' Christian Association in North America, 1909-1952, (Yale University Divinity School Library)