Ports of Entry: Missionary Herald

This work opens a window onto a pivotal moment in American history, when the nation’s doors were flung wide for millions seeking new lives. It examines how the Protestant church, through the Home Missions Council and the Council of Women for Home Missions, positioned itself as a key advocate for newcomers, urging both compassion and practical assistance. The authors blend statistics, personal testimonies, and theological reflections to argue that immigration is as much a moral responsibility as an economic one.

The narrative moves to the bustling entry points—railway stations, Ellis Island, and other ports—painting vivid pictures of the arrival process. Readers hear from immigration officials, missionaries, and volunteers who describe the daily realities of inspection, shelter, and hopeful anticipation. By exploring these early efforts to welcome and integrate newcomers, the book invites listeners to consider how past attitudes continue to shape today’s discussions about belonging and community.