Ida Scudder, a senior at Northfield Seminary in Massachusetts, envisioned a future for herself in a small American town that included a charming home with a loving husband, fun times with good friends, adventure, and eventually several children.
Such a dream was the antithesis of her upbringing in Vallore, India—with its crowds, poverty, famine, and disease. Having lived in the States now for several years, Ida had no desire to return.
Her parents served as medical missionaries in Vallore, and her paternal grandparents before them. Ida wanted no part of that kind of life.
But when Mrs. Scudder became seriously ill in 1894, Ida felt compelled to return home to care for her mother and help run the clinic. Following graduation that year, she set sail, praying she’d arrive before the unthinkable occurred. Ida’s prayers were answered [1].
One evening during her visit, a Hindu man knocked at the door, desperate for Ida to come help his wife.
“She’s been struggling for hours to deliver our baby,” he cried. “Now she is growing weak. I’m afraid for her!”
“Let me get my father,” Ida suggested. “He’s the doctor.”
“Oh no,” the man replied. “It is against our beliefs for another man to see my wife. You must attend to her.”
Ida explained she could not help; she knew nothing about childbirth. And the grief-stricken man turned away.
Later that same night a Moslem came to the door with the same request. He too refused help for the same reason. And not long after, the scenario repeated itself a third time with another Hindu.
When Ida finally went to bed, no visions of idyllic living in America filled her mind. Instead she prayed, and a new dream began to form. God meant for her to become a doctor and help the suffering women of India. Even more startling: Ida found herself eager to follow his plan.
In the morning, she learned that all three mothers and their infants had died. It broke her heart and solidified her resolve.
When Ida returned to the States, she was one of the first women to attend Cornell Medical College. And no sooner had she graduated in 1899, than Ida was on her way back to India, bolstered by a $10,000 grant from a Manhattan banker, in honor of his wife, Mary Taber Schell.
At first Ida treated women in a small medical office set up in her parents’ home. But patients often waited too long to see her, so she decided to go to them.
An ox-pulled cart full of medical supplies became her clinic. And as she tended the sick and injured, Ida spoke of Jesus and asked patients if they’d like to know more about the Great Physician.
In 1902, Ida was able to open the Mary Taber Schell Hospital in Vellore. But with only forty beds, the medical needs in the region far exceeded what Ida could provide.
She set about establishing a school for young women to train as nurses. Critics warned no one would come since the education of girls wasn’t part of Indian culture. But come they did—151 students that first year—and they performed well.
Funding from various denominations in the U.S. and Britain allowed for expansion of the hospital. By 1906, 40,000 patients were being treated annually.
Ida’s next venture, in 1918, was to establish a medical school to train women doctors. Naysayers claimed women would not be able to pass the final exams, but all fourteen of the first class succeeded.
More qualified staff meant more space needed for them to work. A second hospital was built in Vallore in 1923.
Expansion continued in 1928 with an endeavor even Ida could not have envisioned: the construction of the Vellore Christian Medical College and Hospital, spread over 200 acres. Gandhi himself came to see Ida and the monumental project underway.
Ida seated on left.
Also during this time, Ida traveled back and forth to America to raise funds. Her passion for the work inspired people to give, and she raised millions of dollars.
Back in India, Ida spent less time with patients and more time preparing for the opening of the new college, “negotiating between various missionary agencies, and dealing with a turbulent Indian political scene as fierce demands for independence were growing”[2].
Today the Vallore Medical College and Hospital treat over 8,000 patients a day and are well known for excellence in the fields of research, patient care, and disease prevention. Chaplains pray with the patients, and Bible classes are offered in nine different languages [3].
The main building of Vallore Medical College and Hospital
Dr. Scudder and students
Ida Scudder (1870-1960) was once asked how she was able to accomplish so much. Her answer explains how to fulfill God’s individualized plan for each of us:
“I took only one step at a time; the step God showed me” [4].
[1] Mrs. Sophia Scudder passed to heaven in 1925.
[2] https://canonjjohn.com/2022/11/12/heroes-of-the-faith-ida-scudder/
[3] https://scudder.org/family-history/ ; https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/ida-scudder-reluctant-missionary-11635053.html
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJIHIJpmVTs
Other Sources:
3. “A Life of Consecrated Purpose: The Ministry of Dr. Ida Scudder” by Dr. Rebekah Naylor at http://www.imb.org.
Photo credits: All photos of Dr. Ida Scudder courtesy of The Scudder Association Foundation at http://www.scudder.org. The Indian city street scene, http://www.picryl.com.
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Inspiring story!
Couldn’t agree more, Debi Sue. I too was greatly inspired as I researched!
I loved learning about Ida here, Nancy! She was, indeed, inspired by God. What would this world be like without Godly heroines like her? She helped and blessed so many through her selflessness. Thanks for introducing us to her.
Blessings!
You’re welcome, Martha, and you’re right: by now, the people touched by Ida’s legacy must number in the millions!
I enjoyed learning about Ida. What a blessing she was to those around her
Amen to that, Brenda!
Wow, what an amazing story. Thank you for sharing this, Nancy.
You’re welcome, Bridget. I found Ida’s story to be amazing too!
Ida’s many accomplishments inspired by God were astounding. I was captivated by her sudden passion to become a doctor and Christian mentor in a country desperate for medical professionals. Thanks for sharing her story, Nancy. 🙂
It warms my researcher/writer-heart that others appreciate these stories of great Christians from the past. Thank you, Nancy!
“I took only one step at a time; the step God showed me” [4]. Boom! That’s it! Thank you for this wonderful post, Nancy!
I’m also reminded of these metaphors: “Bird By Bird” as Anne Lammot writes, or “Silently, One by One, in the Infinite Meadows of Heaven, Blossomed the Lovely Stars, the Forget-Me-Nots of the Angels.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (I just saw that on a park bench yesterday and had to write it down. ❤️
So glad you found wonder here, Deb, in Ida’s story. I’ve read Anne LaMotte’s Bird by Bird; didn’t know that lovely quote from Longfellow. So glad you shared it. We do well to follow Ida’s example, don’t we, and not get ahead of ourselves–or God!
What an inspiring story that illustrates how one woman’s obedience to God’s plan for her life can change the world one action at a time. What an amazing woman of God. I followed the ‘Our Daily Bread’ link which quoted her as follows: “First ponder, then dare. Know your facts. Count the cost. Money is not the important thing. What you are building is not a medical school. It is the Kingdom of God. Don’t err on the side of being too small.”
That is indeed another wonderful quote of Ida’s! I think it speaks of her willingness to step out in faith–on a platform of preparation. She kept her focus in the right direction too: furthering the kingdom of God. More reasons to admire her and emulate her commitment!
I can never get enough of these life stories, Nancy. I think the very essence of a “calling” is that it’s counterintuitive in the person’s mind, yet they answer it anyway because their faith guides them to. And taking the journey one step at a time is key. If Dr. Scudder knew up front all that she would accomplish, she might’ve wilted under the expectations!
I’m so glad you appreciate these life stories of great Christians, Dave. I love researching and learning about them myself. You’ve made a good point about wilting under expectations if we knew the future. God knew what he was doing when he withheld that ability from us, didn’t he!
amazing and inspirational story. Isn’t it “funny” how life twists and turns when we follow God? He does know the right path for us.
Amen to your comment about twists and turns, Jean. If someone had revealed to me as a young girl that I’d be a pastor’s wife, I surely would have said, “No way! I can’t do THAT!” Perhaps that’s the point. Most often we CAN’T accomplish God’s plan on our own. We need the power of his Spirit!
Such an inspiring story! I like what she said when asked about her accomplishments…“I took only one step at a time; the step God showed me.”
Thanks for sharing this Nancy!
I agree, Dawn–that quote reveals great wisdom, humility, faith, and more. Though we may not be called upon to partner in the building of a huge college and hospital complex, those traits are crucial for whatever God intends for each us.
What an amazing woman, Nancy! I love how when we surrender to the Lord he’ll change the desires of our heart to match His will.
Absolutely, Beth! I’ve experienced that Spirit-generated change of desire you mention; I’ll bet you have too. It’s truly miraculous, isn’t it?
I most certainly have and it is a wonderous experience and has taught me to pray, “Lord, mold my desires to be yours.”
Amen, my friend!
I love this story, and I’m thankful for the faith and courage of this remarkable woman. I can’t help but think of the many women she probably inspired to follow her footsteps.
You’re so right, Candyce. Several generations now past her homegoing to heaven, there are no doubt MANY who can trace their lineage of faith and calling back to Dr. Ida Scudder. Praise God!
Inspiring. For God nothing is impossible.
Amen to that, Anna. And Ida’s story is proof!
Thanks for this beautiful and inspiriing story, Nancy. And I love that, “I only took one step at a time. The step God showed me.” Fabulous!!
Sheila, I’m delighted you found beauty and inspiration in Ida’s story. Isn’t that quote wonderfully simple yet wise? I love it too!
Oh my, very heartwarming!! Thank you for these sweet snippets of biographies that point to Jesus! I love this!!❤️Live that she followed God’s calling on her life.
So glad you enjoy these biographies, Alicia. Ida Scudder does demonstrate what can happen when a person surrenders her/his life to God. She–along with many others–proved His power to do more than anyone could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)!
I don’t know how you continue to find these fascinating stories of faith, but these are so inspirational! For her life path to be so different from what she imagined shows her openness to the Lord and His leading. “I only took one step at a time; the step God told me.” What an incredibly humble and gracious response to the power of the Holy Spirit in her–in us!
How I find these stories: sometimes I come across brief mentions in my reading and become curious to learn more. Sometimes I see a name or event on a “Today in Christian History” calendar that piques my interest. My research begins with trustworthy websites and then I branch out from there. For me, it’s like a treasure hunt! / I too was greatly impressed by Ida’s faith, humility, and grace to respond to God’s leading as she did. And you’re right–that same Spirit who led and empowered her is in US! I pray to respond as she did!
You, too, are an inspiration, my friend. Your heart for finding the beauty and wonder of what has been and sharing it is indeed a gift of grace to us. Thank you.
Thank you, Dayle, for your kind words of encouragement. I praise God for the delight he gives me in sharing these stories!
Nancy, I always love the historical stories with people of faith.
InChrist,
Gary
I’m so glad you also love historical stories of God’s faithful people. I appreciate them too, Gary. That’s why I enjoy sharing these brief bios now and then!
Yes.
Powerful! Nancy, this post is a blessing to read. When we aren’t sure about the direction of our life’s next step, our Father is more than willing to nudge us forward . . . one step at a time.
Thank you, Richard. There’s such comfort in that knowledge, isn’t there, that God will nudge us is the direction he’s ordained, toward an outcome that will bring him glory. Hallelujah!
Wonderful story! And great advice! Just take it one step at a time!!
If Ida had known ahead of time what God had in store for her, she surely would have felt overwhelmed and anxious. Jesus knew what was best for us when he advised, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34)! (Lord, help me remember!)
Amen!! Lord help me to remember too! 🙂