Border Service Department of the Church of Christ in China Records

These records provide valuable documentation of an indigenous program of the church in China during the years 1939 to 1950. The correspondence and writings of Archie R. Crouch also provide interesting insight into the experiences of a Western missionary serving under Chinese leadership. Crouch was English-language secretary of the Department in China 1944-1946; he continued to promote the Department and correspond with its leaders after his return to the United States.

Series I, REPORTS AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, contains administrative memos, reports, records of the Board of Directors, budget information, and other material documenting the program and operations of the Border Service Department. Arranged chronologically, these records provide a thorough overview of the work of the Department during the years 1940 to 1949.

Series II, CORRESPONDENCE, contains primarily the correspondence of Archie R. Crouch and William B. Djang (Djang Po-huai). Crouch served as a liaison between the Chinese leaders of the Border Service Department and its Western supporters. His regular, detailed report letters and other correspondence provide important documentation of the work of the

Department. Particularly valuable are the substantive letters exchanged between Crouch and William B. Djang.

Series III, WRITINGS/PUBLICATIONS, includes typescript and published materials on a variety of topics relating to the work of the Border Service Department. Some of the writings specifically describe programs of the Department while others provide background regarding the ethnic groups served by the Department.

Series IV, SLIDES, includes approximately sixty well-labeled black and white slides which portray scenes and customs of China's western borders.