The online Bible teaching ministry of John Brand

Scottish Church History

James (Diego) Thomson, the Bible Man of South America (1788-1854)

Of his latest article about Scottish missionaries, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week we read all about a very energetic Scottish missionary called James Thomson, whom the locals in South America called Diego. I don’t know how he had time to eat or sleep! Everywhere he went Christian schools sprouted up, the Bible was translated…

Dr Robert Kalley, “The Wolf from Scotland” (Part 2)

Of his latest article about Scottish missionaries, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week I’ve continued with the amazing story of Dr Robert Kalley, who fled persecution in Madeira, and ended up pioneering the first Protestant church in Brazil. I hope it inspires you all.” After the persecution in Madeira, Dr Robert Kalley travelled to Palestine, as…

Dr Robert Kalley, “The Wolf from Scotland” (Part 1)

Of his latest article about Scottish missionaries, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week we travel from Africa and Asia to Portugal, and to Dr Robert Kalley. This amazing Scottish medical missionary had a significant impact in Portugal, until he was driven out, and then in Brazil.“ Dr Robert Reid Kalley (1809-1888) http://www.robertreidkalley.xpg.com.br/, Public domain, via…

Minnie Watson, the Forgotten Heroine of Kenya

Of his latest article about Scottish missionaries, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week’s article is about a remarkably courageous Scottish woman called Minnie Watson. Most people have never heard about her, but her story deserves to be told.“ Sometimes in history significant people remain hidden in the shadows of a more popular personality. Such was the…

Mary Slessor (1848-1915): “White Queen of the Calabar”

Of his latest article about Scottish missionaries, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “Usually I write shorter articles of about 600-700 words, but I just could not do justice to Mary Slessor, the missionary who went to Nigeria, with so few words. This time, I’m guilty of writing over 2,000 words! I hope you don’t mind.…

Alexander MacKay of Uganda, “The White Man of Work”

Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week’s article is about Alexander MacKay, the missionary to Uganda. Despite dying of malaria at age 40, he left an enormous legacy there. His story is one of gritty determination, God’s grace, suffering and breakthrough. May his story inspire us all.” The missionary, overwhelmed with grief, labour and sleeplessness,…

Dr David Livingstone, Missionary Adventurer

Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes, “This week’s article is about Dr David Livingstone, the famous Scottish missionary. Although very few Africans were converted to Christ through him, his success lay in preparing the way for others to come and plant churches. Even until today he is spoken of with great affection by many Africans.” David…

Lovedale’s Children: Blythswood, Livingstonia and Others

Of his latest post, Paul James-Griffiths of Christian Heritage Edinburgh writes “Last week I wrote about how Scottish Christians pioneered Lovedale as a model for southern Africa. Today, I briefly look at the other mission bases which sprang out of this model, especially Blythswood and Livingstonia.“ Livingstonia College, Jwhyte82 at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia…