Lillian Picken Papers

These papers provide valuable documentation of the work of an American woman missionary in western India. With her colleague Louise Fisher, Picken became deeply involved in social welfare, as well as evangelistic work, in the Indian villages where she served.

Series I, Correspondence of Lillian Picken, contains a long run of circular letters to Picken's supporters, which provide excellent detail regarding her missionary work. These letters are complemented by more personal correspondence, primarily with mission and Indian colleagues and friends. Picken maintained correspondence with Indian colleagues, particular her "adopted son" Sumitra Palve after her retirement. Series II, Correspondence of Others, contains a run of circular letters from Picken's colleague Lousie Fisher that supplements the documentation in Picken's correspondence, since they worked together closely.

Series III, Writings, includes writings of Picken on spiritual and mission topics as well as writings of others, mostly mission colleagues. The Notes of Series IV are primarily for Bible studies or talks that Picken gave while in the United States on furlough or after her retirement.

Series V, Subject File, contains material about the work of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions in Satara, the Navraspur Spiritual Life Center, leprosy work, the Dohnavur Fellowship and Indian Girl Guides. Two notebooks provide extensive information about the Satara misison. In combination with annual reports and periodicals of the ABCFM, this material would provide valuable documentation of the character of mission work in this area, and the lives of the missionaries involved.

Series VI, Personal Items and Memorabilia, contains biographical documentation, documentation of Picken's speaking engagements, and various collected printed material of an inspirational character. Series VII, Photographs, includes photographs of Picken, Louise Fisher, Indian colleagues, etc.

Series VII includes Photographs and Slides of Lillian Picken and her colleagues as well as of the Nasrapur Spiritual Life Center, and other scenes in India.