Xinjie Church 50th Anniversary photo by James Carrington U.S. Amoy Consul 1894-2000

Ahoy from Amoy (Xiamen), China!

I was excited to hear from Ben Smith, a descendant of James Carrington, U.S. Amoy Consul 1894-2000. Carrington took this photo in 1898 during the 50th anniversary of Xiamen's Xinjie Church, the oldest Protestant Church in China. Thank you for the photo, Ben!

The photo is about ten inches long and I can just barely read the faded handwriting at the bottom:

"Amoy, China;--50th anniversary (1848-1898) of the first Christian church ever erected in China. Photo represents a half view of the decorated church. Chinese women occupy seats behind screen [unclear] corner."

Thank you for the photo, Ben! Gulangyu should received UNESCO World Heritage Site Status in 1917, and we hope to have the material we've accumulated displayed in an Amoy Mission exhibit.

A note about Amoy U.S. Consul's and Ben's "Uncle Jimmy" (Amoy Consul James Carrington):

As an Amoy Consul at that time, Ben's "Uncle Jimmy" had quite an influence. In addition to being Consul, the American consuls' also helped with social issues. An American consul started the Tongwen Institute and the chairman of the board was always a U.S. Consul. U.S. consul's were also the ones to fight the coolie trade, and helped stop the U.S. opium trade, though the British continued it for another 80 years. The Viceroy of China at that time said of the U.S., "I've heard much about 'Christian' nations, but this is the first time I've seen a Western country act like a Christian nation."

U.S. Amoy Consul James Carrington was the daughter of Susan P. McDowell, who was the daughter of James McDowell, governor of Virginia.  James McDowell was the daughter of Susanna Smith Preston, who was one of the 15 children of General Francis Smith Preston (1765-1835). He was a lawyer, General in the War of 1812, and a member of the Virginia State Senate.

Enjoy Amoy!

Bill Brown
 Xiamen University
 www.amoymagic.com