nineteen hundred and forty-six - Amazon Web Services

FOREIGN MISSION BOARD 247
After seeing the dining room, classrooms, "chucking" the chins of Japanese
war-orphan babies who were being cared for, we gathered about a piano. None
of the girls spoke English, but we endeavored to find the musician. Each girl
in turn pointed to another. Finally one of the older girls confessed, and I
picked Mendelssohn's "Rondo Capriccio." It was difficult, especially for her
short chubby fingers, but she did well. We listened and smiled our approval,
which embarrassed her so much she ceased playing and ran back into the group
of girls. They were all a-giggle like any girls, but especially Japanese girls.
SEINAN IO GAKUIN
Next on the agenda is Seinan Jo Gakuin (Jo means girl) which is the Baptist
high school for girls in Kokura, north of here. From 1913 until its founding
in 1922, this school was a vision in the heart of Mrs. J. H. Rowe, its first
president. (W.M.U. members, check on your Lottie Moon Offerings for this
school.)
The first enrollment was ninety-six, and by 1935 when the Rowe Memorial
Auditorium was dedicated (Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Maddry and Dr. and Mrs.
Weatherspoon present), it had reached 543. Our missionaries left here just
prior to the war, I believe.
This is one of the very highest type schools in Japan. The buildings are
among the best, though probably inadequate now. They were used by Japanese
troops during the war, but classes were continued elsewhere. The school again
has custody of the buildings and is carrying on nobly with an enrollment of
about 500 girls. The president, Mr. Matsuta Hara, a graduate of Oberlin
College, took office in 1934 when Mrs. Rowe retired because of ill health.
TRIBUTE TO COURAGE
Since the war began, these bodies have had no contact with the Southern
Baptist Convention. The present status of the schools is a glowing tribute to
the persistent faith of these, our brothers in Christ. Yes, a living memorial to
McCollum and Brunson, our first missionaries here in 1889; to the Rowes; the
Doziers; Naomi Schell, and all who labored so unselfishly here. Faithful is the
divine promise: "My word shall not return unto me void."
AFRICA, EUROPE AND THE NEAR EAST
GEORGE W. SADLER, Secretary for Europe, Africa and the Near East
The Trail of Peace in Europe
Good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ.—Acts 10:36
ITALY
The year 1870 was an eventful one for both Italy and Southern Baptists.
It was at that time that the temporal power of the Pope ended, and it was
then that our Board sent its first representative to Europe.
While Dr. W. N. Cote preceded him, Dr. George Boardman Taylor was the
real founder of the Italian Mission. He labored in the land of his adoption
thirty-four years, longer than any other missionaries except his own son-in-law
and daughter—Dr. and Mrs. D. G. Whittinghill.
The results of the efforts of this evangelical group have not been spectacular,
but the passing years have witnessed steady growth. During the period of
the Second World War, there was a veritable upswell which manifested itself :•
in spiritual fervor and in the spirit of self-support.
At the present time the Baptist membership numbers about 4,500. It-is
probable that several thousand others are sympathetic with our principles.
There are twenty-seven active pastors. Some pastors have died during the
war years, and others have grown old in the service. There are several excellent
young men who are preparing for the full work of the gospel ministry.
The G. B. Taylor Orphanage is a worthy memorial to the late founder of
the Mission. This institution occupies a beautiful spot about seven miles from
the heart of the "Eternal City." Twenty-six boys are cared for in this wellordered
household.