Robert Parmelee Wilder Papers

The majority of the letters are addressed to Wilder; they are primarily in manuscript form and several European languages are represented. Correspondence with John R. Mott was not included in the chronological sequence of the general correspondence because of the bulk and substance of these letters. The letters in the general section and those exchanged with John R. Mott are a valuable source of documentation for the researcher interested in the development of the missionary movement among students. Wilder was intimately involved in student missionary movements in the United States and Europe from their conception in the late nineteenth century through to the dissensions which arose between conservative and liberal elements in the movements in the 1920's and 1930's. The development of the Student Volunteer Movement in the United States can be traced from Wilder's first trip to colleges and universities in 1887 to his tenure as General Secretary of the Movement and in extensive correspondence with Jesse R. Wilson, his successor as General Secretary. The student missionary movement in Great Britain between 1905 and 1916 is documented by substantive correspondence reporting statistics and events. Outside of the field of student missionary work, Wilder's role in the development of the Near East Christian Council is documented in his correspondence from 1927 to 1933. Earlier letters from John N. Forman give informative accounts of missionary work in India, dealing with matters of method and policy.

The Family Correspondence in this collection is not extensive but does provide valuable insight into the early mission work of Wilder's parents in India. The elder Wilders sailed for India in 1846 as missionaries under the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. In 1852 they founded the Kolhapur (or Kolapoor) Mission where they engaged in educational work later independently and under the Presbyterian Board until 1875.

The notebooks and diaries of Series II date from 1880 to 1938. All were written by Wilder except two small volumes belonging to his mother and one written by John N. Forman, Wilder's colleague in Student Volunteer Movement work and a missionary in India. Entries in Wilder's diaries are somewhat sporadic and include descriptions of daily events and notes regarding discussions and meetings. Notebooks from Wilder's student days include notes from addresses heard at the Northfield, Massachusetts summer school in 1888, as well as class notes.

The writings of Series III are divided into three sections:

A major portion of Wilder's time was spent in speaking to audiences on various aspects of the Christian life. Wilder's addresses and notes for discussions are arranged topically with subjects ranging from prayer to work in India to the student missionary movement. Wilder's published writings covered many of the same subject areas and appeared in various European languages. The reports section of Series II provides an informative outline of Wilder's activities in association with the various organizations which he served.

The printed material in Series IV is also divided into three sections:

Series V, Personal Items and Memorabilia includes: