Insights
Research, analysis, and stories exploring cultures, societies, and global perspectives.
Articles
View All Articles
The Bridge Still Stands': Gathering Marks 150th Anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s Birth in Washington, D.C.
On September 25, more than 30 Chinese Christians from the Washington, D.C. area gathered at the Museum of the Bible to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Leighton Stuart (1876–1962).
October 20, 2026
The Bridge Still Stands | From Historical Footage to Dialogue Today A Recap of the Nanjing Event Marking the 150th Anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s Birth
Nanjing is a city that cannot be left out of Stuart’s story. As a young man, he taught at Nanking Theological Seminary for eleven years. Decades later, when he returned as the United States ambassador to China, the city became a major setting for his diplomatic career. The venue for this event, the Bo’ai Building in the Art Jinling Cultural and Creative Industries Park, stands on the former site of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, which grew out of the Nanking Theological Seminary where Stuart had taught. Outside the meeting room, the old buildings remain. To tell his story again, more than a century later, in a place connected to his early life gave the occasion a particular resonance.
September 8, 2026
The Bridge Still Stands | Readings of Historical Texts in Shanghai Marking the 150th Anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s Birth
On August 19, The Bridge Still Stands came to Shanghai. Olive Bridge again marked Stuart’s 150th birth anniversary with historical readings, a roundtable, and conversation with the audience. New guests joined the event to continue, from Shanghai, the discussion of cross-cultural understanding, human connections, and how we might carry this “bridge” forward today.
August 22, 2026
Living History: Bridging Cultures Through Documentary Storytelling in China–U.S. Encounters Since 1979
August 7, 2026
The Bridge Endures | The Commemoration of John Leighton Stuart at 150
August 4, 2026
Son of Hangzhou: A Journey Tracing the Footsteps of John Leighton Stuart on the 150th Anniversary of His Birth
July 14, 2026
Videos
View All Videos
The Bridge Still Stands | Nanjing Discussion Highlights | John Leighton Stuart at 150
Olive Bridge commemorated the 150th anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s birth with “The Bridge Still Stands,” held in Nanjing, China, on September 5, 2026. This video features highlights from the roundtable discussion. Wang Xuefu, Zhang Zhipeng, and Xie Zhidong revisit Stuart’s life as a missionary, educator, and diplomat, reflecting on the character, faith, and commitment to others that shaped his work. Drawing on Stuart’s educational practice and life of service, the conversation explores character formation, Yenching University’s ideals of truth, freedom, and service, and how faith finds expression in care for individuals. His life also offers a starting point for considering how we find direction and meaning today.
October 20, 2026
The Bridge Still Stands | Nanjing Event Recap | John Leighton Stuart at 150
A visual recap of “The Bridge Still Stands,” Olive Bridge’s commemorative gathering in Nanjing, China, on September 5, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s birth. The event brought audiences together for a historical reading film and dialogue, revisiting Stuart’s life and reflecting on understanding and friendship across cultures. This video captures the atmosphere and shared moments of the gathering.
October 20, 2026
The Bridge Still Stands | Shanghai Event Recap | John Leighton Stuart at 150
A look back at “The Bridge Still Stands,” Olive Bridge’s commemorative gathering in Shanghai on August 19, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s birth. Through historical readings and dialogue, participants revisited Stuart’s life and reflected on education, friendship, and the possibilities and limits of understanding across cultures. This video captures moments from the Shanghai gathering.
October 20, 2026
The Bridge Endures | The Commemoration of John Leighton Stuart at 150
When history is read aloud, what can it say to us today? Selected reading excerpts from “The Bridge Still Stands,” Olive Bridge’s commemorative gathering in Hangzhou, China, on June 24, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s birth. Through historical texts, the readings revisit Stuart’s life and his connections with China, inviting reflection on education, friendship, and the possibilities and limits of cross-cultural understanding.
August 14, 2026
The Commemoration of John Leighton Stuart at 150 Event Recap
A one-minute look back at “The Bridge Still Stands,” Olive Bridge’s commemorative reading event held in Hangzhou, China, on June 24, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of John Leighton Stuart’s birth. Through readings of historical texts, the gathering revisited Stuart’s life and reflected on understanding, education, and friendship across cultures. This video captures moments and impressions from the event.
August 14, 2026
Stay informed with our latest
research, analysis, and stories.