Edward Jones (missionary)
Edward Jones (1807-1887) was a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist missionary who played a significant role in establishing and developing missionary work in Northeast India, particularly among the Khasi people of present-day Meghalaya. Born in Trawsfynydd, Merionethshire, Wales, he was ordained as a missionary in 1840 and subsequently departed for India, arriving in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1841.
Jones, often referred to as "Kynrad Jones" (meaning "Lord Jones") by the Khasi people, initially served with the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Foreign Missionary Society at Cherrapunjee, one of the wettest places on earth. He dedicated his life to translating the Bible into the Khasi language, establishing schools, and preaching the Christian gospel.
His contributions were manifold:
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Language and Literature: He made significant progress in standardizing the Khasi language, developing a written script, and translating the New Testament (completed in 1850) and portions of the Old Testament into Khasi. This translation work was crucial for disseminating Christian teachings and promoting literacy.
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Education: Jones recognized the importance of education and founded several schools in the Khasi Hills. These schools provided formal education and played a vital role in raising the literacy rate among the Khasi people. He also trained local teachers and evangelists to carry on the work.
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Evangelism: Through his preaching and personal interactions, Jones was instrumental in converting many Khasi people to Christianity. He established churches and helped to build a strong Christian community that continues to thrive in Meghalaya today.
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Social Impact: Beyond his religious activities, Jones advocated for the rights and well-being of the Khasi people. He addressed issues related to social justice and sought to improve their living conditions.
Edward Jones's dedication and tireless efforts left a lasting legacy in Northeast India. He is remembered as a key figure in the introduction of Christianity to the Khasi Hills and as a significant contributor to the development of the Khasi language and culture. His work laid the foundation for the growth of the Presbyterian Church in the region. He died in 1887 and is buried in Cherrapunjee.