J. Calvin Bright Collection

J. Calvin Bright was born in China of American Missionaries J. Homer Bright and Minnie Flory Bright. The elder Brights served in Shao Yang and Ping Ting, Shansi province.   J. Calvin Bright was educated at Berea College where he met Harriet Howard. They were married May 26, 1945 in the Union Church of Berea, Ky. In mid- summer of 1947, Calvin and Harriet were commissioned as missionaries to China by the Church of the Brethren. Following in his parent’s footsteps, the Bright traveled to Shanghai, Chengdu, Schwan, and West China where they served for four years. Later their work was interrupted by the Red Chinese Regime—Calvin was held captive while Harriet was allowed to return to the United States. After several months, Calvin was permitted to leave and, upon returning, Harriet was soon licensed by the Church of the Brethren as a minister to preach the gospel.  After 1951, both Calvin and Harriet were Church of the Brethren ministers in Indiana and Illinois.  They spoke in more than 600 Brethren Churches throughout the United States. The papers of J. Calvin Bright reflect the inspiration of his parents, his life with Harriet, their missionary work in China, and their impact on the Churches of the Brethren across the United States. This collection also contains material related to Daniel and Jane Dye, who taught at the West China Union University in Chengtu.