Hunter Corbett

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Hunter Corbett
File:Hunter Corbett.jpg
Hunter Corbett
Born (1835-12-08)December 8, 1835
Clarion County, Pennsylvania, United States
Died Script error: The function "death_date_and_age" does not exist.
Chefoo (Zhifu芝罘区NowYantai), China
Occupation missionaries,
Years active 56 Years
Known for Educational Mission in China
Spouse(s) Elizabeth Culbertson, Mary Campbell Nixon, Harriet Robina Sutherland.

Hunter Corbett D.D. (Chinese: 郭显德; pinyin: Guō Xiǎndé; December 8, 1835 – January 7, 1920) was a pioneer[1] American missionary to Chefoo (Zhifu芝罘区NowYantai), Shandong China, he served with the American Presbyterian Mission.[2][3] He was a controlling advocate of the missionary enterprise.

He founded the Yi Wen School at Tengchow (also known as Boy's Academy / Hunter Corbett Academy Tengchow)[1] afterward converted into an institution of higher education as Cheeloo University in 1928. It was the first university in China.[4]

Early life

Hunter Corbett was born to Ross Mitchell Corbett and Fannie Culbertson (Orr) Corbett on December 8, 1835 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, USA. He graduated from Jefferson College in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania (now Washington & Jefferson College) in 1860.[5] and from Princeton Theological Seminary. With his first wife, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Culbertson, he sailed for China in 1863.

China Mission

After a six-month voyage around the Cape of Good Hope and shipwreck off the China coast, they finally arrived at Chefoo (Yantai) in the middle of winter, 1863. After several years in Dengzhou (P'eng-lai, or Tengchow), they established a permanent residence at Chefoo and began evangelistic work. Along with colleagues Calvin Wilson Mateer and John Neius, Corbett developed the methodology that would plant the gospel in the soil of northern China and make Shandong the strongest Presbyterian mission in China. Wide itineration throughout the countryside, rather than concentrated efforts in the cities, was the main feature of the Shandong plan. Corbett was described as an "Indefatigable Itinerator," and he traveled over the whole province by horse, mule cart, and foot. Added to his travel difficulties were incidents in which he was reviled and stoned. In 1886 Washington and Jefferson College awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.[6]

Corbett believed in using unconventional methods. He rented a theater and converted the back rooms into a museum stocked with objects of interest from around the world. After a service, the museum doors would be opened. In 1900, about 72,000 people listened to his preaching and visited the museum. A crowning achievement was the organization and development of Shandong Presbytery. By the year of Corbett's death, there were 343 organized churches and chapels throughout the province, with more than 15,000 communicant members. In 1906 he was elected Moderator of the General Assembly,[7] the central governing body of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America or reformed church.[8]

Hunter Corbett ministered in China for 56 years. He died in Chefoo (now Yantai), China on 7 January 1920.

Legacy

His 3rd wife and widow, Helen Sutherland Corbett, died in 1936.[9]

In 1907 his daughter, Grace Corbett married Ralph C. Wells (1877–1955).[10] In 1908 his daughter, Jane Lea Corbett married John Lawrence Goheen.

Books

Author: Hunter Corbett

Others

  • Hunter Corbett: fifty-six years missionary in China: Author-James R.E.Craighead, Publisher- Revell Press, 1921
  • A tribute, Hunter Corbett, 1835-1920 : Publisher: Chefoo : McMullan & Co (1920?), OCLC Number: 16876989
  • Hunter Corbett and his family : 'Biography' Author: Harold Frederick Smith, Charles Hodge Corbett. Description:185, [14] p.:ill., geneal. tables, ports. ; 24 cm.
  • Goheen family papers, 1864-1951.
  • Sketch of Dr. Corbett's life : Promotional material for Hunter Corbett Academy building program, issued in conjunction with Dr. Corbett's 80th birthday. Cover title: Hunter Corbett : his 80th birthday: a plan for celebration, a history, an opportunity, an appeal.

References

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External links

Religious titles
Preceded by Moderator of the 118th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America
1906–1907		 Succeeded by
The Rev. William H. Roberts
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