1844 - 1938

Dandeson Coates Crowther

Archdeacon of Niger Delta

Church Leader

Full Biography

Archdeacon Dandeson Coates Crowther KBE (1844–1938) was a prominent leader of the Anglican Church in West Africa and a son of Archbishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther. Born in Sierra Leone, he became associated with the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1870 and was appointed Archdeacon of the Niger Delta in 1876.

He is credited with initiating the “mass movement” toward Christianity in the 1870s and later with leading the first African secession from the Anglican Church through the founding of the Niger Delta Pastorate. Crowther was ordained at Saint Mary’s Parish Church by his father, Samuel Ajayi Crowther. Prior to his appointment as Archdeacon, he served in several roles, including secretary and chaplain to his father and Senior Pastor in Bonny, in the Niger Delta.

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

HRH Eze Egbukole Okoroafor

Ochoronma I of Egbu Town

1905