THe Mission.
In 1889, the American Unitarian Association established a mission in Tokyo, Japan. Clay MacCauley was sent to Tokyo to be one of the Unitarian representatives of the mission. This was a time where Western Christian missionaries were becoming a popular phenomenon in the Eastern world. Education was a major goal of the Unitarian mission. The motto of the Japanese mission according to The Unitarian Register was, "We come not to convert, but to confer".
As described in a Morning Oregonian article, Clay MacCauley was the head of the Senshin Sakuin School for Advanced Learning. The school's focus was on "scientific and philosophical study of religion, ethics, and social science." The school did not promote one religion over the other, but rather intended to promote "free inquiry". Teachers at the school came from a variety of religious backgrounds. This school is an embodiment of Clay MacCauley's intellectualism and liberal faith.
As described in a Morning Oregonian article, Clay MacCauley was the head of the Senshin Sakuin School for Advanced Learning. The school's focus was on "scientific and philosophical study of religion, ethics, and social science." The school did not promote one religion over the other, but rather intended to promote "free inquiry". Teachers at the school came from a variety of religious backgrounds. This school is an embodiment of Clay MacCauley's intellectualism and liberal faith.
The Japanese are becoming convinced that among the foreign religious organizations which have offered them their services, the Unitarians are typical rationalists, and are sincerely seeking to learn only what is true concerning the high interests of Ethics and Religion; and to devote such truth to the service of the people- Clay MacCauley, Memories and Memorials
The Unitarian movement in Japan was not like typical missionary movements of the time. It's purpose was not to impose Unitarianism on the people of Japan. It's goal was to promote religious study and education. As Japan was increasing its position as an industrial power, the Unitarian mission sought to promote the growth of spiritual and ethical life in Japan in a similar fashion. Clay MacCauley remained in Japan from 1889 until 1900. MacCauley was in the United States until 1909, when he returned to Japan and stayed there until 1919. For a large period of time, Clay MacCauley was the only American member of the Unitarian mission in Japan.
Achievements of MacCauley in japan
The mission in Japan became the cornerstone of Clay MacCauley's life. He was fascinated by Japanese culture and history. He became fluent in Japanese and even wrote a book on the Japanese language, An Introductory Course in Japanese. MacCauley translated many works written in Japanese into English. He got along well with the Japanese people and was well respected by Japanese society.
Indicative of this, Clay MacCauley was given two honors by the Japanese emperor. In 1909 he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun and in 1918 he was awarded the Order of Sacred Treasure. There is even a memorial to Clay MacCauley in Japan. When MacCauley returned to the United States, he spoke often of Japan and tried to educate the American people on Japan. He published many works on Japan. Clay MacCauley retired in 1919 in California. He passed away in 1925.
Indicative of this, Clay MacCauley was given two honors by the Japanese emperor. In 1909 he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun and in 1918 he was awarded the Order of Sacred Treasure. There is even a memorial to Clay MacCauley in Japan. When MacCauley returned to the United States, he spoke often of Japan and tried to educate the American people on Japan. He published many works on Japan. Clay MacCauley retired in 1919 in California. He passed away in 1925.
Sources
Clay MacCauley. Memories and Memorials; Gatherings from an Eventful Life. Tokyo, Japan: Printed by the Fukuin Printing, 1914.
Thomas E. Graham. “MacCauley, Clay.” American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press, Feb. 2000. http://www.anb.org (accessed November 19, 2016).
http://envoy.dickinson.edu:2187/articles/08/08-00903.html?a=1&n=clay%20maccauley&d=10&ss=0&q=1
http://blogs.dickinson.edu/archive/?p=8797
http://www.oldtokyo.com/the-clay-maccauley-memorial-toro-mita-tokyo-c-1910/
http://blogs.dickinson.edu/hist-204pinsker/files/2016/10/DownloadDocument2.pdf
https://books.google.com/books?id=Mc0fAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA114&lpg=PA114&dq=Clay+MacCauley&source=bl&ots=BPlljapVo_&sig=dslcTEGrnuqr4uXUBfU7KzADWwg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHr8rg3frQAhXngFQKHRffDXQ4FBDoAQgiMAM#v=onepage&q=Clay%20MacCauley&f=false
Thomas E. Graham. “MacCauley, Clay.” American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press, Feb. 2000. http://www.anb.org (accessed November 19, 2016).
http://envoy.dickinson.edu:2187/articles/08/08-00903.html?a=1&n=clay%20maccauley&d=10&ss=0&q=1
http://blogs.dickinson.edu/archive/?p=8797
http://www.oldtokyo.com/the-clay-maccauley-memorial-toro-mita-tokyo-c-1910/
http://blogs.dickinson.edu/hist-204pinsker/files/2016/10/DownloadDocument2.pdf
https://books.google.com/books?id=Mc0fAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA114&lpg=PA114&dq=Clay+MacCauley&source=bl&ots=BPlljapVo_&sig=dslcTEGrnuqr4uXUBfU7KzADWwg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjHr8rg3frQAhXngFQKHRffDXQ4FBDoAQgiMAM#v=onepage&q=Clay%20MacCauley&f=false