London Missionary Society

Bechuana_Congregation_(relates_to_David_Livingstone)_by_The_London_Missionary_Society

The_Cession_of_the_District_of_Matavai_in_the_Island_of_Otaheite_to_Captain_James_Wilson_for_the_Use_of_the_Missionaries_Sent_Thither_by_that_Society_in_the_Ship_Duff,_1801

London_Missionary_Society,_Sāmoa

London Missionary Society

The London Missionary Society (LMS) was a Protestant missionary society formed in England in 1795 by evangelical Anglicans and Nonconformists. The society was established with the aim of spreading the Christian faith in non-Christian lands. It played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and Western education in various parts of the world, including the Pacific Islands, Africa, and Asia.

History

The LMS was founded on September 22, 1795, at the Castle and Falcon Hotel in Aldersgate Street, London. The founding members included prominent figures such as John Eyre, George Burder, and David Bogue. The society was interdenominational, drawing support from various Protestant denominations.

Missionary Work

The LMS sent its first missionaries to the Pacific Islands in 1796. The most notable early mission was to the Society Islands, including Tahiti, where missionaries like William Ellis and John Williams made significant contributions. The society also established missions in Madagascar, South Africa, and China.

Pacific Islands

In the Pacific, the LMS missionaries were instrumental in the conversion of many islanders to Christianity. They introduced Western education, built churches, and translated the Bible into local languages. The work of the LMS in the Pacific is often associated with the transformation of traditional societies and the introduction of new social and cultural practices.

Africa

In Africa, the LMS established missions in various regions, including South Africa and Botswana. The society's missionaries, such as Robert Moffat and David Livingstone, played crucial roles in the spread of Christianity and the establishment of educational institutions.

Asia

The LMS also had a significant presence in Asia, particularly in China and India. In China, the society's missionaries were among the first to enter the country following the First Opium War. They established schools, hospitals, and churches, contributing to the spread of Christianity and Western education.

Legacy

The London Missionary Society merged with the Commonwealth Missionary Society in 1966 to form the Council for World Mission. The legacy of the LMS is evident in the numerous churches, schools, and hospitals established by its missionaries around the world. The society's work also contributed to the development of written languages and the translation of the Bible into various local languages.

Related Pages

• Christianity
• Protestantism
• Missionary
• David Livingstone
• Robert Moffat (missionary)
• John Williams (missionary)
• William Ellis (missionary)
• Council for World Mission