12.9
Foreign Mission Board Rooms
January 14, 1954
The Foreign Mission Board met in regular session at 3:30 p.m, on Thursday,
January. 14, 1954, with Mr. Jenkins presiding.
Present: L, Howard Jenkins, J. Hundley Wiley, H. B. Tillman, L. G. Mosley,
Neal Ellis, H. P, Thomas, R. C. McDanel, Mrs. Kenneth Burke, Mrs. Clyde V.
Hickerson, Perry Mitchell, Oscar L, Hite, IN. Rush Loving, Emmett Y. Robertson,
J. E. Boyles, Reuben E. Alley, Baker J. Cauthen, Everett Gill, Jr., Frank K.
Means, Rogers M. Smith, Elmer S, West, Fon H. Scofield, E. L. Wright, E. L,
Deane f Mrs. Tom Smith.
Mr. Tillman led in prayer.
Dr. Cauthen gave the following report:
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
In keeping with the action of the Board in October authorizing a visit to the
Orient mission fields before taking up responsibilities as executive secretary,
I left Richmond on October 28 and returned on Christmas Day. I am most grate¬
ful that this trip was made possible because of the opportunity it afforded to
get first-hand information concerning developments on the field and counsel
with the missions concerning steps which need to be taken in arranging for the
work of the Orient. This will be especially valuable as we study the selec¬
tion of a secretary for the Orient,
My journey led me first to Hawaii, where there is a rapidly developing Baptist
work in a territory which seems destined to become the forty-ninth state in
the Union. It is highly probable that when statehood materializes, Baptist
work in Hawaii will look forward to affiliation with the Southern Baptist
Convention in the same way that work in any of the states is related.
In Japan we find cause for rejoicing. One Hundred Southern Baptist mission¬
aries are located in thirty strategic cities extending the full length of the
country. Strong churches have come into life and good buildings are being
constructed. The Japan Baptist Convention, with headquarters in Tokyo, is
working consistently on a program of advance aimed toward 1,000 Baptist churches
within twenty-five years.
Educational work is centered in Kyushu. At Fukuoka is Seinan Gakuin, with
more than 3,000 students from junior high school through senior college. A
splendid college administration building was dedicated more than a year ago.
The construction this year of new buildings for the library, university chapel,
and Seinan Gakuin Baptist Church will greatly strengthen the work of this vital
institution. During my visit ground-breaking ceremonies were held for the
chapel building which will bear the name Rankin Memorial Chapel. The decision
to name the building for Dr. Rankin is an expression of the love and appre¬
ciation of Seinan Gakuin and the Japan Baptist Convention.
The seminary and training school in Fukuoka have a combined enrollment of 115
students. At Kokura Seinan Jo Gakuin with work extending from junior high
school through junior college for girls is ministering to approximately 1,300
students, and is making plans for the construction of a new building being
given by Virginia Yeoman’s Missionary Union.
The Japan Baptist Hospital at Kyoto has acquired excellent property on the
edge of this city. The building which has been purchased is well suited for
the work of the hospital with adequate room for expansion. Out-patient
department work will be begun shortly, and the hospital will open its work
formally in a matter of a few months.
On the Izu Peninsula has been built the Japan Baptist Assembly. The ground
was purchased as a gift from Baptist military personnel. Buildings have
been constructed adequate to accommodate more than 200 people. It would be
difficult to overestimate the contribution this development will make.
Korea is a land of misery and suffering. Although guns of war are now
silenced, the burdens of the impoverished population are tremendous. A
visit to Pusan brings sorrow to one’s heart as he sees the throngs of