Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
4-14-2023
Inclusive Dates--Span
circa 1950s
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
circa 1950s
Scope and Content Note
These papers include Elizabeth C. Bernard’s Chinese New Testament and translations and romanizations handwritten by Gloria “Ah Wing.”
Biographical Note
The following biographical note is excerpted from Wikipedia:
“Elizabeth Bernard (October 10, 1890 - December 12, 1971) was an American missionary for the Churches of Christ, known for her missionary work with blind children in Asia. Born in DeSoto, Texas, Elizabeth sought training as a nurse at the College of Industrial Arts in Denton, Texas. Upon completing her education, she joined the United States Army as a nurse in 1918, but was discharged due to poor eyesight after two years of service. Elizabeth then spent three years in schools across America teaching blind children, before moving to Guangzhou, China in 1933 to pursue missionary work. She was able to do this due to a government pension. World War II disrupted Elizabeth's missionary work in Asia, causing her to flee or relocate several times. Prior to the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Elizabeth fled in 1938 from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. She moved once more to Macau before settling in Guilin. After spending some time in India, Elizabeth returned to the United States in 1944, during which time she attended the Alhambra Church of Christ. After World War II ended, Elizabeth was able to return to Guangzhou in 1947 and repair the Canton Bible School damaged during the war. She began caring for orphans, but the communist revolution forced her to leave Guangzhou and settle in Hong Kong, taking several orphans with her. By 1949, Elizabeth was the only Churches of Christ missionary in Hong Kong and she worked alone until 1959 when additional missionaries were sent on short-term assignments. Working with others from the American Churches of Christ, Elizabeth reestablished churches and preaching schools, thus reviving the Hong Kong mission. She returned to the United States in 1967 and then made one final trip to Hong Kong in 1970. Elizabeth died on December 12, 1971 and was buried in Happy Valley on Hong Kong Island.
Donor Note
Leonard R. and Patricia A. Pamplin
Arrangement
The processors retained the order as received.
Content List
Box 1
[First Folder] Finding Aid
Elizabeth Bernard’s Chinese New Testament
Gloria “Ah Wing”’s translations and handwritten romanizations
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
0.45 linear feet (1 box)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #586
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Elizabeth C. Bernard Papers, circa 1950s. Center for Restoration Studies MS #586. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
Amanda Dietz, Caleb Laster
Comments
Please contact us with questions about our holdings or to schedule a research visit.