African and Black agents promoting overseas work for British Christian missions, c. 1790-1950
British Protestant missions employed people of African origin and descent as agents to help promote their overseas work. There was an element of triumphalism in this, presenting to supporters living evidence of the success of foreign mission. African missionaries in training colleges in Britain were used to promote overseas mission and solicit funds. Missions employed African and black missionaries, including children, for deputation work in Britain. Black agents were recruited for home staff, e.g. Rev. H. Mason Joseph serving as a travelling secretary for the SPG from 1891-1902. Further support within Britain for mission work came from black men and women who were born in the country or who had made it their home, e.g. Dr Harold Moody, who from his arrival as a student in 1904 contributed to the Colonial Missionary Society and its parent body, the London Missionary Society, becoming chairman of the latter in 1943-44. This paper adds to the debate on African and European interactions during the years since 1800, and argues that African and black people had a significant role in home missionary activity.
David Killingray, Professor Emeritus of History, Goldsmiths, and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London
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This page was last updated on 24 April 2025
