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Report on Japan : No. 2 We Rebuild

Accession number: 
1949.0028
Production Years: 
1949

Languages:

Film Properties: 
Length (feet): 
376 (16mm)
Length (minutes): 
11
Holding Institutions: 

Library and Archives Canada: 16mm
"This film presents a record of the work accomplished in Japan from 1941 to 1949 by the Missionary Society of the Church of England in Canada. Post war Japanese are portrayed as a desperately poor, dazed people looking for Christian leadership. The Japanese Holy Catholic Church is said to be 'striving to meet this need'. The following involvement of the missionary is shown; in 1947 the first of the missionaries arrive at Obuse including the Reverand Canon Powles, Nurse Powell and Miss Forstel; overhaul and repair of the sanatorium is undertaken; four more missionaries, Mrs. Powles, Miss Miller, Miss Hawkins and Miss Hurobin arrive in the winter; hardship of missionary lifestyle is detailed including shelter and food problems; arrival of Hilda Robinson with supplies for the sanatorium provided by the women's auxilliary in Canada; Canon Powles election as assistant bishop to Bishop Onishi of Nippon Sei Ko Kwai - significant in that it marks the first time a foreigner has been elevated by the Japanese to the episcopate of the Japanese province of the Anglican communion; among guests attending the ceremony were Mr. Rev. Stone of the United Church, Bishop Lee representing the Church of England in Canada and the bishops of Nippon Sei Ko Kwai, presiding Bishop Yashiro conducted the consecration service; agreement reached that the Church of England in Canada would no longer maintain an independent mission in Japan but would send help if needed; program of church rebuilding began (1/3 were destroyed in the war); the good cheer of Japanese Christians is shown at community gatherings; the young are said to be flocking to the church (8 kindergartens and a nursery have been opened). The film concludes with the message that the opportunity for Christian work remains very great."