Mary Mitchell Slessor was born on December 2, 1848, in Gilcomston, a suburb of Aberdeen, Scotland. She was the second of seven children, only four of whom survived childhood. Her father, Robert Slessor, was a shoemaker, and her mother, Mary Slessor (née Smith), was a deeply religious woman who instilled in Mary a strong sense of religious duty. At the age of 14, following her father’s death, Mary began working in the jute mills of Dundee to support her family. Despite limited formal education, she taught herself to read and developed an interest in missionary work, inspired by the stories of David Livingstone. In 1875, at the age of 27, she was accepted by the United Presbyterian Church as a missionary to Calabar, Nigeria.
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Missionary Work in Calabar
Slessor arrived in Calabar in 1876 and quickly learned the Efik language, which facilitated her integration into the community. Her fluency and understanding of local customs earned her the trust of the Efik people. She worked alongside other missionaries, focusing on education and healthcare, but her most notable contributions were in social reform.
Advocacy Against Twin-Killing
One of Slessor’s significant challenges was the prevalent practice of killing twins in the Okoyong region. The local belief was that twins were evil spirits, and both infants were often abandoned to die. Slessor, upon learning of this custom, took immediate action. She began rescuing abandoned twins, providing them with care and protection. Her efforts led to a gradual change in local perceptions, and the practice of twin-killing was eventually abolished.
Adoption of Children
Slessor adopted several children during her time in Nigeria, providing them with a home and education. One of her first and most notable adoptions was that of Janie Annan Slessor (née Atim Eso), a twin whose brother had been killed. Slessor brought Janie to Britain in 1883, where she was renamed and introduced to British society. Janie’s adoption highlighted Slessor’s commitment to challenging cultural norms and advocating for the rights of women and children.
Colonial Influence
During the colonial era, European powers imposed their values and systems on African societies. Missionaries like Slessor played a complex role in this dynamic. While they were agents of colonial influence, they also acted as advocates for social change within indigenous communities. Slessor’s work in Calabar exemplifies this dual role; she promoted Christianity and Western education while simultaneously challenging harmful local practices and advocating for the welfare of women and children.
Economic and Social Changes
Slessor’s missionary work coincided with significant economic and social changes in southeastern Nigeria. The introduction of Western education and healthcare began to alter traditional societal structures. Slessor’s advocacy for women’s rights and her challenge to patriarchal norms contributed to the empowerment of women in the region. By providing education and opportunities for women, she helped lay the groundwork for future social reforms.
Legacy Today
Mary Slessor’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Nigeria and Scotland. In Nigeria, she is remembered for her humanitarian work and her role in challenging harmful cultural practices. Her efforts in promoting the welfare of women and children have had a lasting impact on social norms in the southeastern region. In Scotland, she is honoured as a national hero, with statues and memorials dedicated to her memory. Her life and work serve as an example of the positive impact that individuals can have on society through compassion and advocacy.
Author’s Note
The story of Mary Slessor underscores the complexities of missionary work during the colonial era. While missionaries often served as instruments of colonialism, individuals like Slessor demonstrated how they could also challenge oppressive systems and advocate for social justice. Her legacy invites reflection on the intersections of culture, religion, and social change in the context of colonial history.
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References
“Twins and Adopted Family.” The Mary Slessor Foundation,
Mary Slessor Foundation. “Twins and Adopted Family.” Mary Slessor Foundation.
Undiscovered Scotland. “Mary Slessor.” Undiscovered Scotland. l
Todays Christian Living. “Heroes of the Faith: Mary Slessor.” Todays Christian Living.
Breakpoint. “Mary Slessor: Changing the World One Child at a Time.” Breakpoint.
Christian History Institute. “Mary Slessor: What Is Courage, but Faith Conquering Fear?”
