Mary Slessor: The Scottish Missionary Who Became the “White Queen of Calabar”
Mary Slessor: The Scottish Missionary Who Became the “White Queen of Calabar”
Mary Slessor’s name still echoes across Nigeria’s Cross River region, more than a century after her death. Known as the White Queen of Calabar, this fearless Scottish missionary left her homeland in the late 1800s to live among the Efik people. She defied deadly traditions, rescued abandoned twins, and brought the light of the gospel to some of the most remote villages. Her story is not just history it’s an inspiring reminder of how faith, courage, and compassion can transform entire communities.
From the Mills of Scotland to the Villages of Calabar
Born in 1848 in Aberdeen, Scotland, Mary grew up in poverty. Her father was an alcoholic, and from the age of 11, she worked long hours in a textile mill to help support her family. Yet even in hardship, her faith grew strong. She taught Sunday school and devoured missionary stories, especially about the legendary explorer David Livingstone. When she heard of his death, she felt a burning call: “If he can go, why not I?”
The Call to Africa
In 1876, Mary was accepted by the United Presbyterian Church to serve as a missionary in Calabar present-day Cross River State, Nigeria. At the time, Calabar was considered a dangerous, disease-ridden place where many missionaries died within months of arrival.
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Mary was undeterred. She set sail, determined to share the gospel and love of Christ with the Efik people. But her mission would quickly become about more than preaching it would be about saving lives.
Defying Deadly Traditions*
In Calabar, Mary encountered the heartbreaking practice of killing twin babies. Local belief held that twins were cursed, and both mother and children were often abandoned or killed. Horrified, Mary began rescuing twins, nursing them back to health, and raising them as her own.
Her courage didn’t stop there. She learned the local language, wore simple clothes like the people, and even lived in their villages. She walked barefoot through forests, often alone, venturing into territories no other missionary dared to enter.
The “White Queen of Calabar”
Over the years, Mary earned deep respect from the people. She mediated disputes, championed women’s rights, and protected children from harmful customs. Her bravery and fairness made her a trusted leader so much so that she was appointed by the British government as a vice-consul in Okoyong, an extraordinary role for a woman at that time.
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The Efik people fondly called her Obongawan Okoyong the White Queen of Calabar.
A Legacy That Lives On
Mary Slessor served in Nigeria for nearly 40 years, often in poor health and with little support. She died in 1915 at the age of 66, still in the land she loved. To this day, she is remembered as a heroine of faith who gave everything for the sake of others.
Her life is a reminder that faith is not just about words it is about action, courage, and sacrifice. As Mary once said:
“Christ sent me to preach the gospel, and He will look after the results.”
Her story continues to inspire missionaries, humanitarians, and ordinary believers to step out in faith no matter the cost.
Content Credit : Blessing Dada
Image Credit : Google Search.Com
