Canada in Records from Colonial Missionaries, 1722-1952

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Canada in Records from Colonial Missionaries, 1722-1952

Photograph of an old, small, early 19th century, stone church.

Canadian records in the USPG archive, 1722-1952

The records are a treasure trove of local history, particularly social history, including primary and Sunday school education, the American Loyalists, [Maroons], Indians, immigration and emigration

Wallace Brow, University of New Brunswick

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The Canadian letters of these missionaries describe the country as they saw it

The United Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) is a UK-based Anglican missionary organisation that operates around the world. During the 18^th, 19^th, and early-20^th centuries, the USPG went by the name of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG). This collection includes letters and supplementary material compiled by its Canadian branch during the period 1722-1952. The documents detail the day-to-day activities of SPG missionaries, including their work in churches, schools, and indigenous communities. The collection provides students and scholars with a unique overview of British colonial and Canadian history.

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

Volumes

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Newfoundland to c.1860

This grouping of correspondence covers the years from 1787 until 1880, its focus is mostly upon the various reverends who...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to New Brunswick to c.1860

These items cover the years 1783 to 1857, with the highest volume of correspondence written from St John, Fredericton, St...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Fredericton to c.1860

Covering the years 1844 to 1860, these papers include both manuscript correspondence and printed content. Focal points include finances, schooling,...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Quebec to c.1860

These papers cover the years from 1793 until 1860, the majority of the correspondence is focused upon the construction of...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Montreal to c.1860

These Annual Reports and narrative reports describe the progress of various missions across Montreal. The correspondence and reports were either...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Upper Canada to c.1860

The many requests for funds included in this grouping, due to their narrative nature, do reveal details of what missionary...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Toronto to c.1860

As the church expanded in Toronto it struggled to find sufficient funds to provide adequate wages for its staff, this...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Nova Scotia to c.1860

The decision over whether Nova Scotia would be settled as a colony or not was not to be taken quickly,...

Licensed to access USPG C series records relating to Canada: general papers, 1785-1864

These general papers have a significant focus upon the laws and legislature of Canada that were to affect the USPG,...

Licensed to access USPG E series reports for Canada, 1901-1950

These documents are formed from narrative accounts of progress, correspondence of a less structured nature, photographs and in some cases,...

Insights

The C Series records from Newfoundland include an article and some papers upon the minister and friend of Edward Jenner, who introduced the Smallpox vaccine to Canada.
A map of the principle settlements in Upper Canada provides some clues as to how Canada was first settled. The C Series Records for Upper Canada also seem to include plans to build a Cornwall Canal.
The narratives in the C Series correspondence for Nova Scotia reveal how uncertain the colonists were about whether to settle in Nova Scotia or not.
The E Series reports describe missionary life in Canada during World War One. They also include statistics, and photographs taken during peacetime.

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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

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

Licensed to access America in Records from Colonial Missionaries, 1635-1928

1635 1928

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