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This week in Christian history: Martin Rinkart dies; bounty placed on Menno Simons

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Pioneering African bishop baptized – Dec. 11, 1825

Samuel Ajayi Crowther (c. 1807-1891), a former slave born in modern Nigeria who became the first African bishop in the Anglican Church.
Samuel Ajayi Crowther (c. 1807-1891), a former slave born in modern Nigeria who became the first African bishop in the Anglican Church. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a former slave who became the first African Anglican bishop in West Africa, was baptized.

Born in what is now western Nigeria, Crowther was sold into slavery by Muslim and Fulani raiders when he was around 13 years old, eventually being bought by Portuguese traders.

Ajayi was freed when the British intercepted the ship and then sent to Sierra Leone, where he became a Christian, taking the name Samuel Crowther in honor of a popular English clergyman.  

"Crowther focused on education, translation of the Bible into Yoruba, and establishing schools, including the first girls' secondary school in Africa," wrote Fred Strickert of EBSCO.

"Crowther's holistic approach to mission work emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and economic development alongside evangelism. His legacy is profound, influencing contemporary mission philosophies and serving as a symbol of African leadership within the Christian church."

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