Soong, Charlie 宋嘉澍 (1863-1918)
Class of 1885, Biblical Department, Theology Degree
Charlie Soong, born in February 1863, was originally from Hainan, China. He came to Vanderbilt University in 1882 and received a degree in theology in 1885. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Charlie returned to Shanghai to preach. He was also an activist, protesting against colonialism and working to overthrow the Qing government. The following passages will present chronological information about this Asian alumnus.
Charlie Soong portrait, carte-de-visite
In 1863, Charlie Soong was born in Wenchang, Hainan Province, China. He had an interesting journey in his early years.
In 1878, at the age of 17, he left his hometown and traveled to the United States with his uncle, the first Chinese merchant involved in the tea and silk trade to emigrate to the U.S. He worked at his uncle's tea shop in Boston, where he met two young Chinese students, Wan Bing-Chung and New Shanchow, who had come to America as part of the Chinese Educational Mission initiated by Yung Wing, an educational pioneer and Yale graduate.
Inspired by these students, Soong was convinced that he should pursue an education instead of selling tea, but his traditional family did not approve. As a result, he ran away and stowed away on a ship to America to pursue his dreams. He was supported by General Julian Carr, and he eventually gained admission to Trinity College, which is now known as Duke University.
General Julian Carr, Sponsor of Charlie Soong
Charlie Soong had a romantic relationship with the daughter of a local philanthropist while studying at Trinity College. However, relationships were not allowed at the college, and, after their relationship was exposed to the public, Soong's time at Trinity College came to an end. Fortunately, General Carr came to Soong's aid and helped him transfer to the Biblical Department at Vanderbilt University in 1882.[4]
Kirkland Hall, Vanderbilt University, 1875
“He had a fine mind, learned to use the English language with accuracy and fluency, and was usually bubbling over with wit and humor and good nature.” -- John C. Orr, classmate.
Life at Vanderbilt
At Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Charlie Soong was loved by all his classmates because of his cheerful and friendly personality. James Fahnke, one of Charlie Soong’s classmates, later recalled: "He is the most kind and friendly person."
One morning in early October 1882, Charlie stood up to a cavalry officer who was teasing his good friend William Burke. The officer drew his saber, but Charlie held up a Bible and challenged the officer to a fair fight without weapons. Charlie's boxing skills proved superior, and he defeated the officer. Another tall and strong cavalry officer wanted to save face, so he kicked Charlie Soong with his big leather boots. Suddenly, the streets were filled with dust. In the chaos, Charlie Soong was accidentally struck by the tall officer's fist, and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. After blows had been exchanged several times, Charlie finally put his head on his opponent's stomach and fell heavily to the ground, utterly exhausted. The students and the onlookers lifted him up in the carnival, threw him into the air, and shouted loudly: "Fantastic! Fabulous!"
After three years, in 1885, Charlie Soong graduated with a degree in theology.
Charlie Soong's Connection with Bishop McTyeire
In 1882, Bishop McTyeire allowed Charlie Soong to attend Vanderbilt University, and, in 1885, at a time when Chinese were not permitted to be ordained, allowed Charlie to be ordained .
In 1886, McTyeire introduced Charlie Soong to Dr. Young John Allen in Shanghai. Mctyeire wanted Charlie Soong to go back to China and immediately start preaching.
Soong returned to China, arriving in Shanghai in 1886. Here, he married and eventually had three daughters, the fabled Soong sisters (all of whom would attend McTyeire School), as well as three sons.[8]
McTyeire School in Shanghai
This school was established by Young John Allen and Laura Askew Haygood in 1882. Its namesake was Holland Nimmons McTyeire.
The McTyeire School was located on Hankou Road near the Methodist Moore Memorial Church, where Charlie Soong headed the Sunday school.
McTyeire School and Soong Sisters
Charlie Soong's eldest daughter, Soong Ai Ling, attended the school at the age of five, and, despite being younger than the other students, she received individual tutoring from the headmistress, Helen Richardson, and quickly became the school's beloved mascot. Soong Ai Ling’s two sisters, Soong Ching Ling, who married Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China, and Soong Mei Ling, who married Chiang Kai-shek, Dr. Sun's successor in leading the Nationalist Party, also attended the McTyeire School.
Soong Tse-Liang
This son of Charlie Soong attended Vanderbilt in 1917 and graduated in 1921.
