Archives

The Confessional Presbyterian Archive is a curated digital library dedicated to preserving and promoting the writings of 17th–20th century Presbyterian pastors, teachers, and leaders. Featuring thousands of searchable texts, biographies, and historical resources, the archive provides direct access to the primary-source materials of American Presbyterianism.

Browse all archives

November 17, 1836 Letter to Willie P. Mangum

Selections from Willie P. Mangum's 1833–1838 papers: 1836 letters on elections, Whig vs. Van Buren disputes, petitions and requests for aid; correspondence from John Chavis and S.L. Southard.

John Chavis ⬩ 1950

February 1, 1837 Letter to Willie P. Mangum

Letters from the Willie P. Mangum papers (1833–1838) on politics, abolition and free Black education (John Chavis), Senate controversies, elections, and railroads.

John Chavis ⬩ 1950

The Missionary Crisis in China

Sermon urging urgent evangelization of China as a providential opportunity, highlighting China’s resources, character, and the church’s duty in foreign missions.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1901

Helpful Missionary Books

Two essays: one defends the divine origin and authority of Scripture; the other surveys recommended missionary books and gives practical reading advice for prospective foreign missionaries.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1905

The World Field of the Southern Presbyterian Church

Survey of the Southern Presbyterian Church’s global mission fields (Antilles, Mexico, Brazil, China, Korea, Japan, Africa). Calls for workers and prayer (john 4).

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1909

Brazil as a Mission Field

Survey of Brazil's geography, society, economy, and the dominance of Roman Catholicism. Argues Brazil is a significant foreign mission field in need of Protestant missionary effort.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1910

Presbyterian Pioneers in Congo

Autobiographical account of William H. Sheppard’s missionary journeys in the Congo, his partnership with S.N. Lapsley, and the founding and early years of the Luebo Presbyterian mission.

William Henry Sheppard, Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1917

The General Assembly of 1918

1918 article urging temperance education for soldiers and sailors through the United Committee on War Temperance Activities, outlining programs, methods and cooperating organizations.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1918

Death of Dr. W.M. Morrison, in Africa: Sketch of Useful Life

1918 Christian Observer covers wartime prayer and Y.M.C.A. relief for soldiers, foreign missions news including the death of Rev. W. M. Morrison in the Congo. Also church bequests and assembly reports.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1918

The War and Missions

Chester argues that WWI, though costly and destructive to missions, also removed barriers—autocracy, liquor trade—and opened new mission fields and resources, calling for renewed sacrificial support.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1919

Orthodoxy in China

Urges churches to stay active and make worship comfortable. Criticizes church council's strike intervention, defends law and Presbyterian fellowship, urges mission orthodoxy in China; offers Isaiah 40 comfort.

Samuel Hall Chester, Sr. ⬩ 1922

China

Church magazine reports death of Rev. John I. Armstrong, Congo revival conversions, and China's political transition, labor issues, and implications for foreign missions.