Simon Jonas, through his involvement in the 1841, 1854, and 1857 Niger expeditions, emerged as the first indigenous resident evangelist in Igbo land. His role as interpreter, catechist, and cultural mediator was instrumental in establishing trust with local communities, particularly at Aboh, where his efforts laid the groundwork for enduring Christian engagement. His strategic use of vernacular language in evangelism and education proved to be a turning point in the reception of the Gospel among the Igbo.
1857
Simon Jonas ~ the Catechist
Interpreter/Catechist
Early Igbo missionary
Full Biography
Related Events
1857
The Birth of the Church on the Niger
The expedition up the River Niger established a missionary presence in several cities along the coast of the
1940
The End of an Era
The original manuscript of the Union Ibo Bible, written in Tom’s own handwriting, is held by the British
1917
Torpedoing of SS Karina and Death of Archdeacon Dennis
The West Equatorial Africa Diocesan Magazine for July 1917 published an article titled CMS Loss through Submarines. It
1914
Outbreak of First World War
On 3 August 1914, Dennis and his wife learned of the outbreak of war in Europe. Prompt measures
1911
Battle of Igbo Bible Versions
On August 4, 1911, Baylis corresponded with the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) regarding Dennis’s arrival in
1909
Clash with Mbari Culture
Dennis opposed certain cultural practices in Egbu that he believed conflicted with Christian principles and insisted on their
