Medical Missionary Dr. R.M. Wilson Describes Work in Korean Leper Colony, July 26, 1922

Describes Work in Leper Colony. . . Dr. R.N. Wilson, Medical Missionary to Korea, In Interesting Address

Statesville, July 25—Dr. R.M. Wilson, medical missionary to Korea, delivered an interesting address at the First Presbyterian church Sunday on his work among the lepers. Dr. Wilson appeared in native Korean apparel and his seven little children, who sang a Korean song at the opening of the services, were also attired in the dress adopted by the people among whom they are being brought up.

The lecture was illustrated by stereopticon views, showing the marvelous achievements of modern medical and surgical skill toward the eradication of this loathsome disease which for centuries was regarded as incurable. The work among the lepers is international and interdenominational. The first leper mission was organized in 1874; now there are 100 leper hospitals throughout the world.

Contrary to popular opinion, leprosy is not very contagious. The disease is not inherited. Children of leprous parents are free from the disease and will not be lepers if taken away from the parents early enough. Statistics show that about 40 per cent of the children of leprous parents will contract the disease if left in the home. One feature of the relief work is to segregate the children, as well as all other lepers, and thus give the children a chance to grow up in health. Dr. Wilson states that there are now 510 lepers in the hospitals over which he presides. “The disease is not as dreadful as you might think I do not hesitate to operate on a leprous patient,” he said, explaining that he considered the treatment and cure of cancer more difficult than leprosy.

Among the lantern pictures, showing the varied features of the work among the unfortunates, were a group of girls who have been cured and are now engaged in teaching in the Home; another group of men who have been freed from the disease, and are now out preaching. Many of the pictures, however, were of patients who had passed beyond the curable state. Pictures were shown of leper homes in Korea, a leper colony in the Philippines, a leper colony in Louisiana, and elsewhere. The nations of the earth are joining hands with the various denominations of the Christian church in the noble work of curing the disease. Dr. Wilson is optimistic in regard to the work, and he expressed his faith in the ultimate eradication of this malady.

From the Raleigh News & Observer, July 26, 1922