Item 2004.101P/52-58 - [C.G.I.T.Group in China]

Jean Stewart (1908-1998) was born in Sackville, N.B. Her family later moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, where she completed Normal School, 1927 (aged 19). After some teaching and library work, she obtained her B.A. at Mount Allison University in 1931. Her interest in missionary work led her to attend the United Church training school, 1932-1933. She was appointed by the Women’s Missionary Society to West China in 1933 (aged 25), commissioned by the Saskatchewan Conference. After language study, she did both educational and evangelistic work for three five-year terms in four different cities (Chungking, Foochow, Tzeliutsing, Peh Deh). On her furloughs back in Canada, she studied 2nd year theology at Emmanuel College and five years later received her M.A. from Hartford Seminary Foundation. It was during her third term of service in China that all the remaining U.C.C. Missionaries were forced to leave the country in 1951 (aged 43). After a short furlough, Jean served on year in Montreal as a Port Worker, four years in Hamilton All People’s Mission Japanese Church and on year in community work at Gypsumville, Manitoba.

After her furlough in 1958-1959, Jean was appointed to Trinidad (aged 51). For the next 12 years, she worked primarily with women’s groups of the Presbyterian Church in Trinidad and Grenada in places such as St. Augustine, Biche, Princes Town, Rio Claro and San Fernando. Her last term on the Island was spent as Pastor of Tableland Pastoral Charge. Jean retired at age 64 and returned to Canada, where she settled in Toronto and continued work for the church in various volunteer capacities. She died in 1998. [Written by Penny Battle, Toronto Valley Presbytery]