Suzanne E. Weddell papers , 1916-1978

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Weddell, Suzanne E. (Suzanne Emma), 1885-1978
Title
Suzanne E. Weddell papers
Dates
1916-1978 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.75 linear feet, (3 containers)
Collection Number
Coll 047
Summary
Suzanne E. Weddell (1884-February 26, 1978) was a Christian Missionary, based in the United States but traveled abroad to India, England, Holland, Switzerland, and France. The collection includes correspondence, essays written by Sue Weddell, photographs, and various other papers that reflect her humanitarian work from 1916-1961.
Repository
University of Oregon Libraries, Special Collections and University Archives
UO Libraries--SCUA
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene OR
97403-1299
Telephone: 5413463068
spcarref@uoregon.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Additional Reference Guides

See the Current Collection Guide for detailed description and requesting options.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Suzanne "Sue" Emma Weddell (1884-1978) dedicated her life to the missionary educational movement abroad and to the enhancement of the rights of women. The daughter of a Baptist clergyman, Weddell was born in Chicago and graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. From 1919 to 1926, she served as secretary of the Younger Girls Department of the Young Men's Christian Association in New York, and later was a general secretary of the Women's Board of Foreign Missions of the Reformed Church of America.

In 1938, Weddell was selected to be one of the 10 women delegates from North America to attend a conference of the International Missionary Council of India, which brought together Christian leaders of 69 countries in Madras. This trip had a profound impact on Weddell, who was not only inspired by such a great and multinational gathering of missionaries, but also fascinated by India.

In 1945, Weddell plunged with zest into the atmosphere of international cooperation that swirled around the San Francisco Conference, at which the United Nations charter was drawn. Weddell went to San Francisco to represent the National Council of Churches as a consultant to the United States delegation.

Weddell wrote several books on education and religion while performing her executive duties with the Reformed Church; she also traveled extensively around the world to lecture and teach.

Sue Weddell died quietly in her sleep at Ocean Grove, New Jersey in 1978. She was 94 years old.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The collection contains a variety of materials ranging from travel diaries and itineraries to correspondences and photocopied photographs. These items, culled by her sister Eleanore Roberts, highlight rather than detail Weddell's long and productive career.

The collection is divided into four series. The first series "Travels Abroad" reflects Weddell's work for the Christian Church and her humanitarian work generally. This series consists of diaries, itineraries, correspondence, and photocopied photographs in chronological order from 1938 to 1948.

The second series titled "Humanitarian Work, 1945-1961," consists of material relating to her work conducted in the United States, where she lived. This series contains the same range of materials as the first but reflects her work for different organizations.

The third series "Miscellaneous" holds miscellaneous papers and documents, from her college diploma to obituaries. This material, arranged chronologically, covers the years 1916 through 1961.

The fourth series, "Photographs," consists of 93 images, primarily snapshots of Weddell's travels and documentation of meetings. The bulk date from the 1930s-1950s.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Humanitarianism--Religious aspects--Christianity
  • Women missionaries--Europe
  • Women missionaries--India

Personal Names

  • Weddell, Suzanne E. (Suzanne Emma), 1885-1978
  • Weddell, Suzanne E. (Suzanne Emma), 1885-1978
  • Weddell, Suzanne E. (Suzanne Emma), 1885-1978

Corporate Names

  • National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America
  • Reformed Church in the United States
  • United Nations Conference on International Organization (1945 : San Francisco, Calif.)

Geographical Names

  • Europe--Description and travel
  • India--Description and travel

Form or Genre Terms

  • Photographic prints
  • Photographs--Reproductions