Program Files 1895-1974; 1922-1962.

ArchivalResource

United Lutheran Church in America. Board of Foreign Missions. Program Files 1895-1974; 1922-1962.

Program Files 1895-1974; 1922-1962.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51505132

This series comprises records pertaining to United Lutheran Church in America (ULCA) mission work in India from 1922-1962 and includes printed minutes, reports, correspondence, publications, essays, and conference proceedings. There is also a minimal amount of handwritten correspondence and reports. The subject matter to which this material pertains is of a wide variety and includes topics related to educational work and schools, mission-owned property, government policies toward missionaries, medical work and mission hospitals, the diaconate, and the mission's centennial celebration. Records created prior to the establishment of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church are included in this series even though decisions regarding mission work rested with the Council of the India Mission until 1939. An oversized folder containing architectural drawings for various building projects in the India mission field is located in the mapcase area. Much of the correspondence is that of Luther A. Gotwald and Earl S. Erb, both of whom served as Executive Secretary for the Board of Foreign Mission (BFM). There is also correspondence written to J. Frederick Neudoerffer, secretary for India, 1954-1984. There are a substantial number of records pertaining to Andhra Christian College and Luthergiri Seminary. Included in these are records from a 1946-1948 controversy involving H.H. Sipes, a ULCA missionary who was then president of Andhra Christian College, and a charge of improper conduct with a female staff member. In an attempt to deal quietly with the situation, the Board of Foreign Missions requested that Sipes return home on furlough. Sipes refused, insisting that he be allowed first to clear his name in India. He enlisted the sympathy of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church and was elected vice president of the church in order to insure that he would be returned to the field after furlough. The records on the Sipes matter include a 152-page manuscript of H.H. Sipes' view on the issues, as well as numerous letters to and from BFM members, college and church officials, missionaries, and his brother, C. Hale. There are as well files centering on a prior Sipes controversy in 1939. Records are arranged by subject. For information pertaining to work in India prior to the formation of the AELC, see ULCA 19/7/1/1 Minutes, 1913-1962.

6 boxes.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library, ELCA Library