John Leonard Benson Papers 1916-1960.

ArchivalResource

Benson, John Leonard (1884-1973). John Leonard Benson Papers 1916-1960.

John Leonard Benson Papers 1916-1960.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51821023

These personal papers comprise correspondence written by the Rev. John L. Benson, Augustana missionary to China and Hong Kong from 1914-1954. The records are from 1916-1960 and comprise matters both of a business and personal nature. These records were generated in the course of Pastor Benson's various job duties throughout his mission career. Many of these were sent in his capacity as mission president and English secretary for the Lutheran Church in China. Most of the letters were sent to Dr. O.J. Johnson, president of the Augustana Board of Foreign Missions and Dr. Hjalmar Swanson, general secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions. There is a small amount written in Swedish. The correspondence is handwritten and typewritten and subject matter includes updates on mission work, missionary personnel matters, financial and material needs of the mission, the political situation and preparations for evacuations during civil war, the Sino-Japanese War, and the Communist revolution. There are some copies of mission meeting minutes and mission president reports. Other subjects addressed in these letters include difficulties encountered in mission field, staffing needs, and missionary updates. These papers also include personal correspondence from Pastor Benson to his family. These letters are from 1943-1946, during his fourth term in China in which he was without his wife and family. The personal correspondence consists of handwritten and typewritten letters from Pastor Benson to his family. Subject matter found in these letters include updates to the family on Pastor Benson's work, his travels, questions about news from home, and updates on the political situation in China. In addition to the correspondence there are six black and white photographs taken in 1944-1945. Subject matter of these photographs includes the Lutheran Council of China, an organizational meeting for Paoki Lutheran Church, the first anniversary of First Lutheran Church, Sian, two photographs of Chinese clergy, including Dr. Peng Fu, and a photograph of the president of the Women's Missionary Society in Honan Province.

1 box.

eng,

swe,

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Library, ELCA Library