Oversize boxed items, 1917 - 1953

The manuscript collection describes the mission work of the Methodist Church in the Belgian Congo, specifically, the construction of a hospital and other facilities at Kapanga, Elisabethville and Mulunguwishi. A rich collection of letters sent back to James and Geneva Pottenger's parents describes life in the mission including their co-workers and the local residents. Besides the large quantity of letters sent home, there are numerous architectural drawings for buildings to be constructed at the Kapanga site. Some photographs and other items exist from James' childhood, too. Of particular note is a photograph album that contains photographs of the people and work at the mission. Taken with the letters, a good picture can be seen of life in a Methodist mission station in the late colonial period of the Belgian Congo.