“If I were a cassowary, on the plains of Timbuctoo I would eat a missionary, cassock bands, and hymn book too.” Samuel Wilberforce (1805-1873).

Historic Records Limited has amassed a large collection of Missionary literature and data beginning in the 1700s and extending into the early twentieth century. This collection comprises postcard images, books, and listings in directories across India, China and Africa. Of particular fascination to us are the London Missionary Society (LMS) volumes which were published annually and given as prizes to schoolchildren as a reward for their fundraising efforts; the pennies contributed by girls and boys attending Sunday Schools throughout Britain.

Miss Beatrice Davies, for instance, was presented with the Indian Village Pictures book on the 21st August 1910 as a reward for contributing six shillings and one penny to the London Missionary Society. The Reverend J P Davies, vicar of Caramel Church, Treherbert, was the officiating minister and the money went towards the upkeep of the charity’s various vessels.

By 1910 there were at least six LMS ships: The John Williams, the Niue and the Hanamoa in the South Seas and New Guinea. The Morning Star on Lake Tanganyika, the Mardie in India, and the Gospel Boat in China. These vessels were entirely funded by farthings, ha’pennies, pennies and shillings raised by children in Great Britain.

As for the missionaries themselves, spreading the word did not come without risks. The Reverend John Williams, for instance was killed and eaten by Polynesian islanders in November 1839 and a missionary ship was later named after him. In all, the LMS successfully operated seven ships named after their greatly lamented missionary, the last one being decommissioned in 1968.

For more information about the Historic Records Missionary collection, and to explore licensing options, contact us.