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The Work of Evangelism in Hunan

Religious rites and Christian activism in South Central China, seen through the eyes of Methodist missionaries.

Amateur film 1935 15 mins Silent

Overview

Fascinating and poignant scenes abound in this missionary record of religious ceremony and Christian activism in and around Changsha and Shaoyang in Hunan Province, South Central China. The film contrasts traditional Chinese cultural practices – a solemn dragon procession, burning paper houses at a funeral – with the Methodists’ humanitarian work: literacy classes, and handing out food aid.

Eyes peeled when you get around the six minute mark – are those tiny tots really smoking cigarettes? Surely not – incense sticks… maybe?