Henry McDowell was a missionary from the Congregational Church to Angola. He was an African American missionary among a people who believed in black magic. The people of Angola, near a mission station at Galangue, were black people who were ruled by Portugal. It was a reputation of being a difficult area in which to do mission work.
Henry ministered along with his wife Bessie. She wrote songs such as "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing". Here's a video I found. :)
It was indeed a dangerous area to work in, but Henry was able to show the people that he truly cared about what happened to them. A boy was poisoned for working for him, Henry convinced the people of the village that he did indeed care for the boy and wanted him to live, He was able to help the boy and show that he was friends to the people of the Galangue area.
Together with his wife Bessie and another missionary, Henry helped to develop a thriving program of schools, churches, and agricultural work. He worked there from 1919-1936. He went on to pastor in the States. He returned to Angola with a new wife Ruth (Bessiei had passed away) in 1947.
Sources:
Dictionary of African Christian Biography.
Black History Month.
Together with his wife Bessie and another missionary, Henry helped to develop a thriving program of schools, churches, and agricultural work. He worked there from 1919-1936. He went on to pastor in the States. He returned to Angola with a new wife Ruth (Bessiei had passed away) in 1947.
Sources:
Dictionary of African Christian Biography.
Black History Month.
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