Bridging the Divide: The Legacies of Mary Slessor, ‘Queen’ of Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

The missionary upsurge of the mid-nineteenth century resulted in the establishment of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) in 1846. The mission was undertaken through the sponsorship of the United Secession Church and later the United Presbyterian Church (UPC), which subsequently became part of the United Free Church of Scotland. In 1876, the ‘white African mother’ and ‘Queen’ of Calabar, Mary Slessor, arrived in Calabar as a missionary of the UPC. She served for thirty-nine years, died and was buried in Calabar. This paper presents a contextual background for understanding the missionary work of Miss Slessor. It critically surveys some of her legacies within Nigeria, and demonstrates how contemporary PCN and Nigerians are appropriating them. The paper further analyses the state of contemporary Nigerian-Scottish partnership and argues for new patterns of relationship between Nigeria and Scotland which draw on the model of Miss Slessor.

Third culture indigenous kids: neo-colonialism and student identities in Nigerian international schools

“…If people let that go, why can't they let other unnecessary customs go? (Student 9B) Student 9B's reference here to the killing of twins alluded to a practice brought to an end in the city of Calabar in southern Nigeria with the intervention of western influence personified by the much celebrated Mary Slessor, a missionary living in Nigeria between the late 1800s and early 1900s (Obinna, 2011). At that time, the birth of twins was perceived to be an evil omen and they were killed at birth.…”

Third culture indigenous kids in Nigeria: Neo-colonial tensions and conflicts of identity

“…One student complained: The killing of twins referred to by student 9B was eradicated in the city of Calabar in southern Nigeria with the intervention of western influence personified by the much celebrated Mary Slessor. She was a missionary in the southern regions of Nigeria between the late 1800s and early 1900s (Obinna, 2011). At that time, the birth of twins was perceived to be an evil omen and they were killed at birth.…”