“Looking at the letters my great-grandfather Appenzeller (1858-1902) sent to his family and friends, I think he was a very humorous person. “This July, many letters and writings from my great-grandfather that had not been discovered were discovered at my cousin’s house in Wyoming. I hope they will be of great help to the study of Korean Christianity and modern history.”
Next year marks the 140th anniversary since Missionaries Appenzeller (Northern Methodist Church in the United States) and Missionary Underwood (Northern Presbyterian Church in the United States) first set foot in Korea (Incheon Port) in April 1885. In commemoration of this, the Korea Church Future Foundation (Chairman So Kang-seok, senior pastor of New Eden Church) held a meeting with Appenzeller, Underwood (1859-1916), Allen (1858-1932), and Moffett in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the eastern United States from the 27th to the 2nd of last month. We went on a tour of missionary sites where the hometowns, schools, birthplaces, and materials of missionaries who introduced and pioneered Christianity in Korea, such as Moffett (1864-1939) and Junkin (1865-1908), are stored.
On the 29th of last month (local time), Ms. Sheila Platt (76), who met at Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey, informed the press corps of the recent discovery of Appenzeller’s undisclosed materials and said, “I haven’t done anything yet.” “I haven’t read it all, but I think I’ll be able to see a different side of Appenzeller than I’ve known so far,” he said. Mrs. Platt’s mother is the youngest daughter of missionary Appenzeller’s eldest son (Henry Dodge Appenzeller). Missionary Appenzeller studied at Drew Theological Seminary and decided to do missionary work in Joseon. Drew Theological Seminary’s United Methodist History and Archives Room is storing and researching a vast amount of materials sent by Methodist missionaries from around the world, including reports, letters, and materials sent by Missionary Appenzeller.
“Wow, there’s no end in sight?” On the 30th, the underground
Founded in 1852, this is the oldest denominational archives in the United States and is said to contain over 30,000 boxes containing various materials, including letters, reports, and photos sent by missionaries active around the world. This is the source of many of the photos we have seen in textbooks and on the Internet under titles such as ‘Joseon seen through the eyes of missionaries.’ It is said that the data is so vast that there is still more that has not been researched and investigated.
So Kang-seok, chairman of the Korea Church Future Foundation, said, “The activities and achievements of some key people are well known, but the activities of many other missionaries and their families are still lacking in investigation and research,” adding, “The early missionaries led to Korea’s modernization and independence. “I hope more attention will be paid to their activities as they have had a great influence,” he said.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Sheila Platt: Uncovering The Legacy of Missionary Appenzeller
Editor: Welcome, Ms. Sheila Platt! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. What an exciting time for you, especially with the recent discoveries related to your great-grandfather, Missionary Appenzeller.
Sheila Platt: Thank you! It’s a privilege to be here and share about my great-grandfather’s legacy. The recent discovery of his letters and writings has been quite the undertaking for our family.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Can you tell us more about these letters? What kind of content can we expect from your great-grandfather?
Sheila Platt: From what I’ve gathered so far, the letters reveal a humorous and personable side of Appenzeller. He wrote to friends and family expressing not just his experiences in Korea, but also sharing jokes and anecdotes from his life. There’s a warmth and wit that makes me feel closer to him, despite the years that separate us.
Editor: It sounds like a treasure trove for understanding his personality! These letters also seem significant for the study of Korean Christianity and modern history. How do you envision them contributing to this field?
Sheila Platt: Absolutely! The letters provide firsthand insights into the early interactions between Western missionaries and Korean society. They shed light on cultural exchanges, social challenges, and the evolution of Christian practices in Korea. I believe they could greatly contribute to the narratives surrounding modernization and the historical context of Christianity in the region.
Editor: Next year marks the 140th anniversary of Appenzeller and Underwood’s arrival in Korea. How is this milestone being commemorated, and what role does your family play in these celebrations?
Sheila Platt: The Korea Church Future Foundation is organizing a series of events to honor the missionaries’ contributions. I plan to participate in meetings and presentations, sharing these newly found materials. It’s crucial for my family to acknowledge and celebrate the impact of these missionaries on Korean society.
Editor: That sounds meaningful! Given the extensive archives at Drew Theological Seminary, which reportedly contain over 30,000 boxes of missionary materials, what are your hopes for future research and exploration of these records?
Sheila Platt: It’s astonishing how much documentation there is still to explore! My hope is that researchers can dive deeper into these archives to uncover stories and experiences that have remained untold. Each document could offer fresh perspectives on missionary work and its implications on both sides – for the missionaries themselves and the communities they were part of.
Editor: It’s indeed remarkable how history continues to unfold through such discoveries. What’s the most surprising or moving thing you’ve encountered so far in your exploration of these letters?
Sheila Platt: One of the most moving aspects has been realizing the depth of love and commitment my great-grandfather had for his mission. Despite the challenges and cultural barriers, his dedication to sharing compassion and faith resonates deeply. The humor in his words captures a human side to historical figures that we often forget to recognize.
Editor: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to readers about the story of Missionary Appenzeller and the significance of historical documents?
Sheila Platt: I’d encourage readers to appreciate the power of personal stories in history. Every letter holds a piece of someone’s life, illustrating challenges, hope, and humanity. Understanding our past through these narratives can guide us in our efforts towards connection and compassion in today’s world.
Editor: Thank you, Ms. Platt, for sharing your insights and the legacy of your great-grandfather. We look forward to seeing how these discoveries will enrich our understanding of history.
Sheila Platt: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see where this journey leads us all.