This excerpt is from a pamphlet published by the Woman’s Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the USA entitled “Twenty Questions and Answers on our School Work in Porto Rico” The purpose of the pamphlet, published in 1911, is to answer commonly asked questions about Presbyterian mission work in Puerto Rico. The questions range from general questions about the makeup of Puerto Rico to more specific questions about missionary education on the island.
In this piece, the author makes clear the religious reasoning behind their work. Additionally, the author acknowledges how the missionary effort is working with the government to provide education to all Puerto Rican children. The authors claim that “above everything else, Porto Rico needs Christian homes” (Woman’s Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church, 7) This is reminiscent of the Americanization campaign of the United States government at this time in Puerto Rican history. In short, this source illustrates how missionary programs from the United States had similar goals to the United States government.
6. Why should there be need of mission schools, in view of the fact that so much educational and beneficent work is done by the Government?
(a) Religion is not taught by the Government, and Porto Rico’s greatest need is the knowledge of a pure Christianity.
This knowledge can be given them only through the mission schools and churches established by the various Mission Boards working in Porto Rico.
(b) Another strong reason is that the public schools have not as yet accommodations for all the children of the island. Many thousands still are unable to gain admittance.
(c) Through the efforts and influence of mission schools Christian homes are evolved, and above everything else, Porto Rico needs Christian homes.” (Pages 5-7)
Woman’s Board of Home Missions of the Presbyterian Church in the USA, “Twenty Questions and Answers on our School Work in Porto Rico,” Presbyterian Historical Society. 1911. https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora%3A158733#page/1/mode/2up