April 9, 1934 - Louisa Lee Becomes First Missionary of Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missions

 “Zenana work—showing lady missionary, Hindoo women &c.” (India, public domain), via New York Public Library.

Lousia Lee was a Presbyterian missionary in India during the Presbyterian Church Conflict of the 1930s. Graduating college in 1911, Lee finished her first tour of duty with the Presbyterian USA Missions in India in 1934; however, following her completion of her tour, the Mission informed her that they no longer confirmed the authority and inerrancy of Scripture. This came at a time of rising debates between theological liberals and conservatives over such issues, and many traditional pastors and missionaries felt that the denomination was straying from historic Christian beliefs. Lee left the Presbyterian USA group and became the first missionary commissioned by the Independent Board for Presbyterian Foreign Missionaries. The new board was formed in 1933 in response to the rising concerns within the denomination by leaders such as J. Gresham Machen. The board was committed to supporting missionaries who held to the authority of Scripture and historic Presbyterian doctrine. She returned to India where she taught and served local communities, expanding Christian education and ministry in the region. Amidst today’s rising controversy over Christian beliefs, it is easy to allow people’s opinions to sway personal conviction; however, Louisa Lee reminds modern Christians of the importance of holding to doctrinal conviction, even when it is costly. In the face of uncertainty and sacrifice, Lee continually chose to serve the Lord and share the Gospel, inspiring Christians to persevere in Christian service. Because she chose faithfulness instead of compromise, many lives were impacted by the Gospel.