The achievements of a crusading, Aberdeen-born missionary, hailed as one of the city’s “greatest daughters”, will be honoured this week on the centenary of her death.
Mary Slessor spent almost 40 years working with the United Presbyterian Church in Nigeria, promoting women’s rights and spreading the Christian message.
Members of the public are invited to the monument named in her memory in Union Terrace Gardens at 12.15pm tomorrow to observe the centenary service.
Miss Slessor was born at Mutton Brae, close to what is now Belmont Street, in December 1848 – the second of seven children in a poor, working class home.
Aged 27 and working at a jute mill in Dundee, she was inspired to become a missionary upon hearing of the death of explorer and philanthropist Dr David Livingstone.
During her time in Africa Miss Slessor gained recognition for dispelling tribal superstition that the birth of twins was considered a curse. She intervened to save the lives of many twins, adopting some as her own family. Following her death in January 1915, Miss Slessor was given the equivalent of a state funeral in Nigeria.
To reflect the large Nigerian population in the city, the service will be led by the Rev George Cowie of the Jesus House City of God Church and its choir.