Ruth A. Gress papers , 1939-1966

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Gress, Ruth A
Title
Ruth A. Gress papers
Dates
1939-1966 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 linear feet
Collection Number
Ax 423
Summary
Ruth A. Gress was a Christian missionary in China between 1939 and 1950. The collection includes correspondence, a diary, literary manuscripts, and publications that reflect her missionary work.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Ruth A. Gress obtained her B.A. at Fletcher College in Iowa and M.A. at the University of Michigan. Gress spent a term at the Garrett Biblical Institute in Illinois and a semester at Berkeley Baptist Divinity School in California. Gress was part of the Women's Division of Christian Services and traveled to China in 1939 where she was stationed in Nanping and Fukien. She worked as an English teacher in a co-educational high school and taught English classes in a nursing school of the Methodist Hospital. Gress was the director of youth work in the Nanping Methodist Church. Gress recorded her missionary experiences in a brief diary. After Gress returned to America, she corresponded with fellow missionary Ethel Wallace and was actively involved in national conferences concerning issues related to the Chinese population in America and Christianity among the Chinese population.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Ruth A. Gress Papers contain a wide variety of documents including personal correspondence with family and friends, a range of post-missionary professional documents, and a small collection of personal mementos and diaries. The collection is divided into seven series. Series I through III consist of Gress' correspondence, mostly outgoing to her family; and correspondence with Ethel Wallace, a fellow missionary in China. Series III contains mementos and diaries. Series IV contains Gress' copy of a mimeographed document, Lessons to be Learned from the Experiences of Christian Missionaries in China; and Series VI and VII contain materials relating to conferences attended by Gress. These various documents also address the religious state and well fare of the Chinese in the U.S.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Chinese Americans--Religion
  • Chinese--United States--Religion
  • Christianity--20th century
  • Women missionaries--China--Fujian Sheng
  • Women missionaries--China--Nanping Shi

Corporate Names

  • National Conference of Chinese Churches in America (1st : 1955 : San Francisco, Calif.)
  • National Conference of Christian Work Among the Chinese in America (1958)
  • United Methodist Church (U.S.). Board of Missions. Women's Division

Form or Genre Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Diaries