Our Weekly Devotionals

Extended Historical Context: The Crabtrees' Missionary Endeavors

Inspiration for the Crab Tree Letters

The Crabtrees were missionaries with the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Crabtrees lived in Bugisu, Uganda, in the 1890s, the time period to which the letters pertain.

William was stationed in Mengo, then later posted to the eastern highlands of Uganda - the region known as Masaba land, home of the Bagisu people. There, the Crabtrees helped establish the mission station in Nabumali, and served in surrounding villages such as Busiu, Budadiri, Bumayoka, and Bufumbo, under the shadow of Mount Elgon.

Crabtree worked to translate the Bible into Lugisu (as well as Luganda and Lusoga). 

As the grandson of a boy who once herded cattle in those hills, I wrote these letters with deep gratitude. That barefoot child - my grandfather - once ran toward the sound of a mission drum, drawn to the school planted by men like Rev. Crabtree. From that moment, a lineage of faith began. And now, generations later, I preach the same Gospel that reached him under the shadow of Mount Elgon.

This is not just history. It is personal legacy.

And these letters - though imagined - are true in spirit. They reflect the sacrifice, faith, pain, and victory that came when the Gospel entered our land. May the pages remind us that God still uses willing feet, and the Spirit still speaks - even through cracked lips and worn-out shoes.

These letters - written in their imagined voices - reflect what life might have been like: the emotional and spiritual toll of mission work, the cultural exchanges, the challenges of sickness and distance, the surprising joy of seeing hearts open to the Gospel, and the small domestic moments that still shaped history.

The Real Crabtrees

Reverend William Arthur Crabtree (c. 1868-1945) was a dedicated missionary affiliated with the Church Missionary Society (CMS). His educational journey took him through St. Peter's School in York, King's School in Canterbury, and later St. Catharine's College and Ridley Hall in Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1889. In 1890, he trained at the Church Missionary College, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to missionary work. ​

In 1891, Crabtree embarked on his first mission to Frere Town as part of the East Equatorial Africa Mission. His subsequent years were marked by extensive service across Uganda:​

·        Mengo (1892): Engaged in foundational missionary activities.​

·        Kyagwe (1893): Continued his evangelical work.​

·        Kavirondo and Busoga (1894-1897): Expanded his outreach efforts.​

·        Mengo (1898): Returned to further consolidate the mission's presence.​

·        Gayaza (1899-1900): Focused on community building and spiritual guidance.​

·        Masaba Kavirondo (1901-1903): Undertook significant linguistic and evangelical projects. ​

A notable aspect of Crabtree's legacy is his contribution to linguistics. Recognizing the importance of scripture accessibility, he collaborated with fellow missionary Frank Rowling between 1896 and 1905 to translate three of the four Gospels into the Soga language. Additionally, Crabtree played a pivotal role in transcribing the Gisu (Masaba) language, facilitating its written form and translating the Gospels to serve the local communities better. ​

In 1898, William married Ethel Bronwen Poole. While historical records about Ethel are limited, it's evident that missionary wives like her were instrumental in the success of missions, often overseeing educational initiatives, healthcare, and community engagement. The fictionalized letters in this collection aim to illuminate and honor the invaluable yet often unrecorded contributions of such women. ​

The letters also introduce Mary Crabtree, the young daughter of William and Ethel. While she does not appear in historical records, her role in the fictionalized letters reflects the often-unseen reality of missionary children - growing up between worlds, shaped by both Scripture and the soil. Her tender scenes with the doll “Nankya” and her hymn-singing in Lumasaaba give voice to the quiet spiritual growth that missions left in their wake.

Reverend William Arthur Crabtree's legacy is notably preserved at Nabumali High School in Uganda. Established in 1900 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the school moved to its current location in 1912. In honor of its early leaders, several dormitories were named after prominent figures, including Crabtree, Banks, and Aggrey. This naming serves as a lasting tribute to Rev. Crabtree's contributions to education and missionary work in the region.

After resigning from the CMS in 1905, Crabtree continued his spiritual journey as a local clergyman within the Anglican Church until his passing in St. Dennis, Cornwall, in 1945. ​

Further Reading and Archival Resources

For readers interested in delving deeper into the Crabtrees' lives and the broader context of missionary work in Uganda, the following resources are invaluable:

·        Church Missionary Society Archives: Housed at the University of Birmingham, these archives contain personal papers of Rev. William Arthur Crabtree, including diaries, photographs, and maps detailing his missionary journeys. ​

·        School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Library: This collection offers materials related to Crabtree's linguistic research, notably his work on Bantu languages and the Luganda grammar. ​

"Elements of Luganda Grammar" by William Arthur Crabtree: Published in 1902, this work provides insights into Crabtree's linguistic endeavors and is available for purchase through various outlets.