William Speer (minister)

William Speer (1822 – 1904) was an American Presbyterian minister and missionary to China. He was a significant figure in the early Presbyterian missions to Chinese immigrants in the United States and also a proponent of improved Sino-American relations.

Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Speer graduated from Washington College in 1840 and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1843. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1844 and appointed as a missionary to China under the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions. He arrived in Canton (Guangzhou) in 1847, where he focused on medical missionary work and established a dispensary. He also devoted himself to studying the Chinese language and culture.

Due to health reasons, Speer returned to the United States in 1850. However, his interest in the Chinese people persisted. He became involved in ministry to the growing Chinese immigrant population in California. In 1852, he established the first Presbyterian Chinese Mission in San Francisco, providing religious instruction, education, and social services. He also advocated for the rights and fair treatment of Chinese immigrants who faced widespread discrimination and prejudice. Speer served as the superintendent of the Chinese Mission for many years.

Speer was an active writer and advocate for China. He published extensively on Chinese culture, history, and religious beliefs. His writings aimed to promote understanding and empathy between the American and Chinese peoples. He also advocated for policies that would foster positive relations between the two countries. His notable publications include "The Oldest and the Newest Empire: China and the United States" (1870). He was a vocal opponent of the Chinese Exclusion Act and other discriminatory legislation. Speer continued to advocate for the Chinese community and for improved Sino-American relations until his death.