America in Records from Colonial Missionaries, 1635-1928

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America in Records from Colonial Missionaries, 1635-1928

A crowd of people stand in a square surrounded by buildings. The people are wearing formal dress, including top hats and bonnets.

American material in the archives of the USPG, 1635-1928

These documents relating to North America are true archives in Sir Hilary Jenkinson's definition of the word.

Isobel Pridmore, Erstwhile Archivist, The United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel

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Discover how British missionaries' attitudes toward North America changed over three centuries

Robert W. Weir’s painting Embarkation of the Pilgrims. A group of people gather, one holding a book, another with his hands outstretched.

The United Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) is a UK-based Anglican missionary organisation that operates around the world. During the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth centuries, the USPG went by the name of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG). This collection contains letters and supplementary material compiled by its North American branch during the period 1635–1928. The papers therefore provide students and historians with a unique insight into the evolution of Christianity in the American colonies, the United States, and Canada.

This collection is accompanied by an online guide written by Isobel Pridmore, formerly the archivist at the USPG, whose archives are now held at Rhodes House Library in Oxford.

Content Warning: This collection contains racist or offensive terms. Owing to their historical importance, the sources are in their original state. Read more.

Highlights

Section of the front page of a typed journal titled A Journal of the Travels and Ministry of the Reverend George Keith, A. M..

Licensed to access A journal of the travels and ministry of the Reverend George Keith, 1702-1704

Reverend George Keith was the first missionary sent to North America by the SPG and an anti-slavery camapaigner. This document contains his journal, which describes his role as a missionary.

Section of a document titled Introduction to An Account of Two Missionary Voyages by Thomas Thompson, A. M..

Licensed to access Rev. Thompson’s account of two missionary voyages

Thomas Thompson was notable for being the first missionary to visit Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast. This document contains a section of Thompson’s journal, providing a first-hand account of voyages to New Jersey and the Coast of Guiney (Guinea).

Section of a handwritten letter addressed from the King of Hawaii to the Archbishop of Canterbury, dated 28 January 1871.

Licensed to access Honolulu letters received, 1871-1910

This document contains letters which reveal the relationship between the Church and Hawaii. The content includes references to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.

Licensed to access SPG chaplaincy services to emigrants, 1821-1864

This document contains a range of materials related to SPG chaplaincy services to emigrants during the period 1821-1864.

Insights

The USPG and other missionary organisations aim to facilitate the spread of Christianity by appointing missionaries to visit and stay in various countries around the world.
Whilst on a mission, representatives of the Church are expected to perform a number of tasks to promote Christianity. This may involve providing a Christian education, engaging in charitable work, and performing services.
The content in this collection presents an opportunity to understand how Christianity was promoted and spread throughout North America.
Included are journals from two missionaries: Rev. George Keith and Thomas Thompson. The journals provide an unrivalled first-hand account of the duties and objectives of missionaries from the USPG during the eighteenth century.
The letter books contain correspondence and papers to and from the missionaries appointed by the USPG. Of particular interest are the B and C series letter books, which contain reports of life during the American Revolution.

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British Papua New Guinea Port Moresby or Pot Mosbi in Tok Pisin, the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea 13 April 1922

Licensed to access 'Bray Schools' in Canada, America and the Bahamas, 1645-1900

1645 1915

The launch of the Missionary Ship The John Wesley at West Cowes, Isle of Wight, September 23rd 1846. People gather at the dock to watch the ship.

Licensed to access Colonial Women Missionaries of the Committee for Women's Work, 1861-1967

1861 1967

Native American warriors and their wives, arranged for a group sitting.

Licensed to access Colonial Missionaries' Papers from America and the West Indies, 1701-1870

1701 1870

An illustration of a priest celebrating Mass in a Andean village near the river.

Licensed to access South American Missionaries' Records, 1844-1919

1844 1919