Missionary Monday: François Coillard

Francois Coillard was a protestant missionary who served in Africa.  His parents were Hugenots and he received his ordination in Paris.

Regional warfare held up his placement in Basutoland, but when he finally arrived he stayed until 1877.

He struggled against polygamy and witchcraft, at first without much success due to the king's hostility. He did, however, become an important intermediary and peacemaker between the Sotho and the English, whom he invariably favored over the Afrikaners. (source)

Mr. Coillard was a firm British Imperialist, which caused him to be temporarily ousted until Basutoland became a British Protectorate.   Over time he became influential in the area especially after the Afrikaner Leader became a Christian.

It took some time to get permission to start a new mission, each region's king kept expelling him.   He did manage to get an invitation to Barotseland in western Zambia where he established a flourishing mission.  He learned that "he could not serve two masters" when he had to work hard to work a treaty between the British South African Company and Barotseland.

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He worked in Barotseland until he was done serving except for a stint where he returned home to Britain for convalescence.  Upon his return he found his mission in difficulties, many of his converts having moved to another mission and many of his staff dead or having moved on.

He worked hard to advance British Colonialism because he believed it was the only way to end the tribal strife in Africa.  He strove hard to advance Western methods in order to help the people advance their lot.   He was well respected by both the Afrikaners (because he sought to protect and help them) and by the British as he sought to advance their cause.