HISTORY Africa Religion –
Johannes Du Plessis’s “A History of Christian Missions in South Africa” (1911) is a seminal, detailed account covering missionary work from the 17th century to 1850. It highlights early European efforts to establish Christianity, education, and “industry” among indigenous populations, often facing hardships like disease while tracing explorers like Livingstone.
Key Historical Developments (Based on Du Plessis and General History
Early Beginnings (Pre-1800s): Early efforts were limited, with missionaries facing immense hardships and high mortality rates from diseases.
- 19th Century Expansion: This period saw a massive influx of missionaries from Europe, focusing on both missionary work and exploration.
- Key Figures: The work of notable missionaries such as David Livingstone, Robert and Mary Moffat, and Christian Schroeda was central to this era.
- Methodology: Missionaries established stations to provide Gospel instruction and train natives in “habits of industry,” which was often met with resistance, making it difficult to secure attendance at services and schools.
- Geographical Spread: Missionary work spread from the Cape Colony into the interior, including the Natal-Zulu Mission, which established multiple stations within ten years.
- The “Amazion” Movement: Later, in the early 1900s, this movement spread via men working in Johannesburg’s mines, later spreading to neighbouring countries.
About the Author/Text
Johannes Du Plessis (1868–1935), a missionary, scholar, and journalist who deeply documented the missionary landscape.
- Structure: The book is noted for providing in-depth detail on the period before 1850.
- Publication: First published in 1911 by Longmans, Green and Co., with later editions in the 1960s.
#040426 Facsimile of 1911 edition. (includes fold-out map).
pp. xx, 494 illusts
(No dustjacket, name on fep) A very tidy copy.