Weddell, Suzanne E. (Suzanne Emma), 1885-1978

Missionary and educator, also known as Sue Weddell.

From the description of Suzanne E. Weddell papers [microform], 1916-1978. (Harvard University, Divinity School Library). WorldCat record id: 229668912

From the description of Papers, 1916-1978. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122395859

From the description of Suzanne E. Weddell papers, 1916-1978. (University of Oregon Libraries). WorldCat record id: 28413892

Suzanne “Sue” Emma Weddell (1884-1978) dedicated her life to the missionary educational movement abroad and to the enhancement of the rights of women. The daughter of a Baptist clergyman, Weddell was born in Chicago and graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. From 1919 to 1926, she served as secretary of the Younger Girls Department of the Young Men’s Christian Association in New York, and later was a general secretary of the Women’s Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church of America.

In 1938, Weddell was selected to be one of the 10 women delegates from North America to attend a conference of the International Missionary Council of India, which brought together Christian leaders of 69 countries in Madras. This trip had a profound impact on Weddell, who was not only inspired by such a great and multinational gathering of missionaries, but also fascinated by India.

In 1945, Weddell plunged with zest into the atmosphere of international cooperation that swirled around the San Francisco Conference, at which the United Nations charter was drawn. Weddell went to San Francisco to represent the National Council of Churches as a consultant to the United States delegation.

Weddell wrote several books on education and religion while performing her executive duties with the Reformed Church; she also traveled extensively around the world to lecture and teach.

Sue Weddell died quietly in her sleep at Ocean Grove, New Jersey in 1978. She was 94 years old.

From the guide to the Suzanne E. Weddell papers, 1916-1978, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)