MISSIONARY NURSE at NAZARETH, ISRAEL HOSPITAL in the MID 1960s PHOTOS and TESTIMONY ALBUM
Item #1485
An extraordinary personal archive documenting missionary service at the Edinburgh Medical Mission Hospital in Nazareth, Israel, by devout nurse and midwife Marcia J. Hughey, who worked with international staff and served primarily Arab Muslim and Christian patients during a formative era in the region’s history.
Housed in a 10.5” x 13.5” pale pink paper-covered album, boldly titled “Nazareth, the Hospital on the Hill”, this moving collection contains:
45 typewritten pages of testimony and missionary report, written by Hughey
49 original black-and-white photographs (mostly 3” x 4”), mounted throughout; the first photo—presumably of Hughey herself—is missing, otherwise complete and in good condition
Condition: Covers exhibit folds, edge tears, and general wear; interior contents are intact and well-preserved.
Hughey’s testimony outlines her spiritual journey from a Christian upbringing in Saugus, Massachusetts to graduation from Lynn Hospital Nursing School in 1946 and Moody Bible Institute's missionary program in 1950, where she felt her call to serve. Shortly after, she was stationed in Nazareth, where she worked as a nurse and midwife, delivering many babies and treating both Muslim and Christian patients.
The narrative and accompanying photographs provide vivid insight into hospital life and community service in mid-20th century Israel. The captions reflect both medical detail and deep evangelical conviction:
“Dr. Runa MacKay from Bonnie Scotland is our Pediatrician and Obstetrician... Pray for Dr. MacKay as she ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of those who come seeking for help.”
“This gentleman represents other general patients... Most of our male patients are Muslims. Pray for our patients as they hear the Gospel each day. Some have never heard before and some may never again.”
“Our female ward... Most of our women are Muslim and are illiterate. However, they enjoy the messages by word of flannelgraph and love the Arabic records from Gospel Recordings.”
“We are not satisfied with our neonatal death rate of 35 babies... We hope very much to improve these working conditions.”
“BALQUIS – This charming, most conscientious, newly finished midwife... a Muslim, knows the way of salvation, but the cost is very great... Do pray her into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
The album closes with an appeal for continued prayer and spiritual support:
“May the Lord bless you all as you carry on the necessary work of intercession.”.
Price: $1,200.00