John Geddie - Diaries, 1848-1858

PMB 418

fonds

Canberra : Pacific Manuscripts Bureau [19--]

440476

Microfilm : PMB 418

microfilm reel 35 mm

Geddie (1815-72), a Presbyterian missionary, left Nova Scotia for the New Hebrides in 1846 and reached Aneityum in may 1848 in the mission ship John Williams, accompanied by the Rev. Thomas Powell. Geddie and Powell established themselves on the southern side of the island, but were coolly received by the inhabitants. When Powelll left the island after about a year, Geddie remained with Samoan teachers. The mission was reinforced in 1852 by the arrival of the Rev. John Inglis and his wife who established a station on the northen side of the island. Meanwhile, Geddie had begun printing books in the Aneityumese language - the first being a spelling book, with readings from Scripture, hymns and prayers. During the next few years many similar works and translations of the Scriptures were published. Geddie retired to Australia in 1872, but died soon afterwards

The diaries provide a useful key to Geddie's activities during his first ten years on Aneityum

PMB (Australian National University. Pacific Manuscripts Bureau) ; 418
Available for reference
Microfilm copy of original held by The Australian Presbyterian Board of Missions, Margaret Street, Sydney, N.S.W.