Bic African Mission Minutes Pages

Click underlined white links to view pdfs

Indexes – 1905 – 1906 – 1907 – 1908 – 1909 – 1910 – 1911 – 1912 – 1913 – 1914 – 1915 – 1916 – 1917 – 1918 – 1919 – 1920 – 1921 – 1922 – 1923 – 1924

Indexes

Indexes

Someone spent a lot of time indexing these minutes! Although not as comprehensive as one might want, these indexes are pretty impressive.

Go to TOP

1906 Minutes

  • Minutes do not exist but meetings undoubtedly took place since the 1907 minutes mention a 1906 meeting.

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1906

  •  July 4th, Frances Davidson, Adda Engle, Ndlhalambi Moyo and Gomo Sibanda went to Northern Rhodesia to establish a new mission station. They crossed the newly-finished Victoria Falls Bridge, disembarked at Livingstone, met with Mr. Sykes, and proceded to Macha. They spent Aug-Nov working hard to get a weather-proof building.
    [ev.1907.02.01-14(HFD)]
  • August 1st: The four arrived at Livingstone. They met with local authorities (Notably Mr. Sykes),  proceded to Kalomo, and eventually settled at Macha [Davidson, 280].

Construction of Victoria Falls Bridge began in 1904 and was completed in June of 1905. It marks the beginning of a wave of expansion into Northern Rhodesia.

Go to TOP

1907 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1907

  • Feb 19th – Macha School opened. The earliest students included Chief Macha’s son, Apuleni Moono, Jesse Chikaile, and Mafulo. Davidson noted that Chief Macha sent his son, Sichibenga, to Macha mission. Apuleni followed a week later. Others mentioned include Kajika, Mafulo, Jim and Tom. Apuleni seems to have been especially talented, judging from Davidson’s later comments.
    [HFD.South.1915.278-279]
  • April-Sept – HFD noted the possibility of a “native uprising” by Lewankia (to the south). [HFD.South.1915.286]
  • Nov. 10th — Myron Taylor arrived in Africa.[HFD.South Africa.1915.287]

Myron Taylor apparently brought his camera to Macha because the earliest photos seem to have been taken by him. [HFD.South Africa.1915.287]

Go to TOP

1908 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1908

  • By January of 1908, the school included 18 boys and young men. [HFD.1915, 287]
  • June 10th – Wengers arrived at Macha (accomp by Steigerwalds). This seems to be
    Steigerwald’s first trip to Macha. It also marked the 1st lovefeast at Macha. The began brick making for
    serious building efforts. Adda Engle, Moyo and Sibanda returned to Matopo with
    Steigerwalds. [ev.1908.09.15.5(HFD)]
Go to TOP

Myron Taylor is the likely photographer of an iconic photo of this earliest group of Macha students, which includes both David Moyo and Gomo Sibanda.

1909 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1909

  • Apr 1st – Davidson noted that Moyo was back at Macha from Matopo. She also noted that Taylor was
    often out of the mission station doing evangelistic work. [EV.1909.04.01.5]
  • Nov. 4th – Taylor and Engle married @Macha. Davidson includes a photo of local chiefs and headman. [HFD.1915.307-30]. The wedding was quite an affair with local dignitaries (Chief Macha and local headmen), along with a big feast.

This photo of local chiefs and headman was taken in 1909 at Macha.

Go to TOP

1910 Minutes

  •  1910
    [No extant minutes yet been found.]

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1910

  • June 30 – Engle, Heisey and D.Moyo returned to Matopo and Moyo married Mankunku Sibanda from Mapane (possibly the sister of Sichikupi Sibanda). [EV.1910.08.22.4(Eliz.Engle)]
  • Taylor began to think about establishing another mission station. This is clear from his various evangelistic trips (north to Ila-land, etc.). [Diff.130]
  • December 22 – David Moyo married Mankunku Sibanda at Mapane. This was evidently her home place. Moyo had taught there for several years before going to Macha.

This photo of David and Mankunku Moyo illustrates the degree to which African BIC had acquired Western ways.

Go to TOP

1911 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1911

  • Feb 20th EV letter tells the story of chief Macha’s death. As it turned out, he seems to have
    been a murdered by a jeaous relative. [EV.1911.02.20.5-6]
  • Dec 28th – A Steigerwald letter describes their time at Macha with Sheets and Engle (visiting USA observation team). While at Macha, they had love feast and baptism with 11 boys baptized. They also dedicated the new Macha church.
    [EV.1912.02.05.]

Significant building at Macha Mission during 1911 dry season. Photos show a brick church, several houses, and a sizeable building for young male students. Gomo Sibanda came to Macha to help.

Go to TOP

1912 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1912
    [Note: No extant minutes have yet been found.]

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1912

  • Apr 29th — A letter from Davidson noted places wanting schools: Kabanzi, Chikuni, Mianda, Kabwe. Apparently there were already 4 other schools with 125 enrolled. [EV.1912.04.29.7(HFD)]
  • June 17 (ca.) – Taylors went to Sikalongo to check the place out. Sikalongo was eventually chosen as site of a new mission station [diff.131] [HFD Diary, June 27, 1912].
  • Sept Latter part – Moyo left for Natal to study at Adams Mission Station. [HFD.South.1915.432]

Macha Mission could not have been established without David Moyo and Gomo Sibanda. This photo shows the two men (L: Gomo, R: David).

Go to TOP

1913 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1913

  •  The Taylor family was in the USA on furlough. June 19, 1913 – Anna Taylor was born in Abilene, Kansas.
  • June – The “first native Christian marriages at Macha” [HFD.1915. 426, 437-438]
  • June – Steigerwald went to Macha. Steckleys were posted at Macha since it seems Wenger was often sick. They had lovefeast and baptism for 18 (including some women and some from out schools) in June/July. [EV.1913.09.08.14-15]

Davidson includes this baptism photo in her book, but the size of the original suggests that it came from Steigerwald’s camera. [hfd.1915, 437]

Go to TOP

1914 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1914.03.02 – Native Conf. (p.19-20)
  • 1914.03.04 – Missionary Conf. (p.14-16)
  • 1914.09.26 – Special Conf. (p.17)
  • 1914.09.28 – Missionary Conf. (p.18)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1914

  • Mar 23rd – Davidson booked passage to USA. Sr Doner and E.Engle remained at Macha. Davidson left March 28th. [EV.1914.02.23.19]
  • WW1 began in July, complicating travel between Africa and the USA. Davidson had to go back to Africa by way of Australia and Taylors delayed their return.
  • July 27th – Elizabeth Engle visited villages near Macha, including Mahinba’s and Sikbenga’s (Sichibenga) villages. [EV.1914.09.21.15-16]. A continuation of this article mentions Kabwe and Kabanzi (“the oldest of the out schools and the place where the largest number of believers live. [EV.1914.10.5.14-15] Teachers “Jamu,” “Mafuta” and “Chikaile” were at those schools.
Go to TOP

1915 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1915

  • Frances Davidson was in the USA and published her account of mission work in Africa.
  • May 15th – Beti (Elizabeth) Moyo, David and Manuku’s first child, died at Macha. [HFD Diary, August 13,1915].
  • Apuleni and Johanis met Davidson at the Bulawayo station upon her return from the USA; It seems they were working [HFD Diary, Dec 31,1915].
  • “In 1915, God’s word began to be preached in the Sikalongo District,” probably referring to evangelistic trips by D.Moyo and H.Frey. [ev.1938.08.01-13.
Go to TOP

1916 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1916

  • October 7th — Taylors reached Choma, having left the USA in July. Sallie Doner, David Moyo, and
    others from Macha came to meet them. [EV.1916.12.11-24]
  • In mid-October, Myron Taylor went to Sikalongo, bringing his things by various means in order to settle in before the rains. It is likely that he took Chikaile and Steliki Muddenda with him.  Adda and the girls stayed at Macha through the 1916-17 rainy season.
Go to TOP

Myron and Adda Taylor began active work at Sikalongo in 1916, remaining for almost two years. Government policies forced them to leave in lae 1918, but they finally returned in November 1920. No photos known photos exist of the early years, but the photo shown here is probably the 1st Sikalongo building, constructed by Myron Taylor in 1916.

1917 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1917

  • in May-June, Steigerwald went with Taylor to visit Sikalongo. They took ox and wagon to Choma from Macha, but had to walk from Choma to Sikalongo because of a cattle quarantine. They spent their first night 3 miles out of Choma at “Mr Whitbread’s farm.”
    [EV.1917.08.27-29]
  • Mid-1917 – Adda and the girls joined Myron at Sikalongo. They were there by “Vacation” according to Davidson [EV.1917.12.17-pp27-28]
  •  
Go to TOP

1918 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1918.06.13 – Missionary Conf. (p.37)
  • 1918.10.19 – Missionary Conf. (p.38)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1918

  • Writing sometime before March 1918, Adda Taylor noted that they were still at Sikalongo. She said the government allowed them to remain until June 1, 1918, but she hoped they would be allowed to stay permanently. [EV.1917.03.11-17ff].
  • Early September – The Taylors were required by the government to move out of Sikalongo temporarily. They left and stayed on a corner of Hugh Walker’s farm. (Diff.133). Acc to a Taylor letter, Mr. Whitbread also offered them a place on his farm. [EV.1918.07.29-26ff]

The Walker family were among the earliest settlers in the area and long time friends of BIC missionaries. Myron Taylor had a particularly close relationship with the Taylor men. This photo was included in the Anna Taylor album and shows the Walkers and McKees after a hunting trip.

Go to TOP

1919 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1919.04.09 – Special Conf. (p.39)
  • 1919.08.06 – 1st African Conf.  (p.40-41)
  • 1919.09.17 – Native Conf. (p.42-43)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1919

  • Nov 8th – Ruth Taylor sailed to USA with Sadie Book and Cora Alvis. She was 9 years old at the time. She went to live with her aunt, Elizabeth Zook, in Kansas.
  •  
Go to TOP

1920 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1920.08.16 – 2nd All Africa Conf. (p.45-48)
  • 1920.08.23 – Native Conf. (p.44)
  • 1920.08.24 – Executive Board (p.49)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1920

  • Oct – Taylor got formal permission to open Sikalongo Mission, and he went immediately to resume the work there. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  •  
Go to TOP

1921 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1921.02.23 – Executive Board (p.50-52)
  • 1921.02.25 – Board of Managers (p.53)
  • 1921.07.05 – Executive Board (p.)
  • 1921.07.06 – Teachers and Evangelists (p.54)
  • 1921.09.22 – Executive Board (p.64)
  • 1921.09.29 – All Africa Conf. (p.55-62) [some pages not yet scanned].

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1921

  • March – Adda and Anna joined Myron at Sikalongo. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  • July 26th – Heise and Hostetter (visiting from the USA) went to Johannesburg to talk with I. O. Lehman about the woJuly 26th – Heise/Hostetter went to Johannesburg to talk with I. O. Lehman about the work there, a long time point of dissension. The results were not good, and things ended badly. [EV.1922.04.24-16ff].
  • Nov 2nd – Heise / Hostetter went to Sikalongo from Macha, accompanied by Lila Coon. [EV.1922.01.30-12ff].
Go to TOP

1922 Minutes

Minutes

  • Note: Some minutes from 1922 seem to be missing or perhaps in another collection. Some meetings seem not to have been included in the numbered collection (e.g., 1922.10.02 Exec Board), but minutes exist separate from the bound/numbered collection.
  • 1922.01.23 – Executive Board (p??) [rescan, cut off]
  • 1922.07.08 – General Mission Conf. [3rd All Africa] [Note: rescan. Missing some pages of scan]
  • 1922.10.02 – Executive Board [rescan if possible].
  • 1922.12.02 – Executive Board

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1922

  • General Conference was at Macha. This was when Davidson learned about pending changes. Manns came to Macha in October. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  • Frances Davidson left Africa in December 1922 never to return. Sadly, she learned about her removal as leader of Macha Mission without warning. The language of Executive Board minutes following her departure reflect the angst of the moment.
  •  
Go to TOP

1923 Minutes

Minutes

  • Note: The list below is a list of the minutes from the first scan.
  • 1923.02.12 – Executive Board
  • 1923.03.08 – Executive Board
  • 1923.07.24 – Executive Board
  • 1923.07.30 – Missionary Conf.
  • 1923.08.10 – Informal Meeting
  • 1923.09.02 – Executive Board
  • 1923.10.22 – Inspection Committee
  • 1923.11.13 – Executive Board

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1923

  • 1924 – The administration of Northern Rhodesia was transferred from BSAC to the British Colonial Office, with Livingstone as capital of the protectorate.
  • Educational policies began to change as a result of the new administrative structures.
  • October – Jesse Chikaile and his wife came to Sikalongo to help. He became a stallwart in the development of the mission. [MissHbk.1924-p25]
Go to TOP

1906 Minutes

  • Minutes do not exist but meetings undoubtedly took place since the 1907 minutes mention a 1906 meeting.

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1906

  •  July 4th, Frances Davidson, Adda Engle, Ndlhalambi Moyo and Gomo Sibanda went to Northern Rhodesia to establish a new mission station. They crossed the newly-finished Victoria Falls Bridge, disembarked at Livingstone, met with Mr. Sykes, and proceded to Macha. They spent Aug-Nov working hard to get a weather-proof building.
    [ev.1907.02.01-14(HFD)]
  • August 1st: The four arrived at Livingstone. They met with local authorities (Notably Mr. Sykes),  proceded to Kalomo, and eventually settled at Macha [Davidson, 280].

Construction of Victoria Falls Bridge began in 1904 and was completed in June of 1905. It marks the beginning of a wave of expansion into Northern Rhodesia.

Go to TOP

1907 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1907

  • Feb 19th – Macha School opened. The earliest students included Chief Macha’s son, Apuleni Moono, Jesse Chikaile, and Mafulo. Davidson noted that Chief Macha sent his son, Sichibenga, to Macha mission. Apuleni followed a week later. Others mentioned include Kajika, Mafulo, Jim and Tom. Apuleni seems to have been especially talented, judging from Davidson’s later comments.
    [HFD.South.1915.278-279]
  • April-Sept – HFD noted the possibility of a “native uprising” by Lewankia (to the south). [HFD.South.1915.286]
  • Nov. 10th — Myron Taylor arrived in Africa.[HFD.South Africa.1915.287]

Myron Taylor apparently brought his camera to Macha because the earliest photos seem to have been taken by him. [HFD.South Africa.1915.287]

Go to TOP

1908 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1908

  • By January of 1908, the school included 18 boys and young men. [HFD.1915, 287]
  • June 10th – Wengers arrived at Macha (accomp by Steigerwalds). This seems to be
    Steigerwald’s first trip to Macha. It also marked the 1st lovefeast at Macha. The began brick making for
    serious building efforts. Adda Engle, Moyo and Sibanda returned to Matopo with
    Steigerwalds. [ev.1908.09.15.5(HFD)]
Go to TOP

Myron Taylor is the likely photographer of an iconic photo of this earliest group of Macha students, which includes both David Moyo and Gomo Sibanda.

1909 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1909

  • Apr 1st – Davidson noted that Moyo was back at Macha from Matopo. She also noted that Taylor was
    often out of the mission station doing evangelistic work. [EV.1909.04.01.5]
  • Nov. 4th – Taylor and Engle married @Macha. Davidson includes a photo of local chiefs and headman. [HFD.1915.307-30]. The wedding was quite an affair with local dignitaries (Chief Macha and local headmen), along with a big feast.

This photo of local chiefs and headman was taken in 1909 at Macha.

Go to TOP

1910 Minutes

  •  1910
    [No extant minutes yet been found.]

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1910

  • June 30 – Engle, Heisey and D.Moyo returned to Matopo and Moyo married Mankunku Sibanda from Mapane (possibly the sister of Sichikupi Sibanda). [EV.1910.08.22.4(Eliz.Engle)]
  • Taylor began to think about establishing another mission station. This is clear from his various evangelistic trips (north to Ila-land, etc.). [Diff.130]
  • December 22 – David Moyo married Mankunku Sibanda at Mapane. This was evidently her home place. Moyo had taught there for several years before going to Macha.

This photo of David and Mankunku Moyo illustrates the degree to which African BIC had acquired Western ways.

Go to TOP

1911 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1911

  • Feb 20th EV letter tells the story of chief Macha’s death. As it turned out, he seems to have
    been a murdered by a jeaous relative. [EV.1911.02.20.5-6]
  • Dec 28th – A Steigerwald letter describes their time at Macha with Sheets and Engle (visiting USA observation team). While at Macha, they had love feast and baptism with 11 boys baptized. They also dedicated the new Macha church.
    [EV.1912.02.05.]

Significant building at Macha Mission during 1911 dry season. Photos show a brick church, several houses, and a sizeable building for young male students. Gomo Sibanda came to Macha to help.

Go to TOP

1912 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1912
    [Note: No extant minutes have yet been found.]

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1912

  • Apr 29th — A letter from Davidson noted places wanting schools: Kabanzi, Chikuni, Mianda, Kabwe. Apparently there were already 4 other schools with 125 enrolled. [EV.1912.04.29.7(HFD)]
  • June 17 (ca.) – Taylors went to Sikalongo to check the place out. Sikalongo was eventually chosen as site of a new mission station [diff.131] [HFD Diary, June 27, 1912].
  • Sept Latter part – Moyo left for Natal to study at Adams Mission Station. [HFD.South.1915.432]

Macha Mission could not have been established without David Moyo and Gomo Sibanda. This photo shows the two men (L: Gomo, R: David).

Go to TOP

1913 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1913

  •  The Taylor family was in the USA on furlough. June 19, 1913 – Anna Taylor was born in Abilene, Kansas.
  • June – The “first native Christian marriages at Macha” [HFD.1915. 426, 437-438]
  • June – Steigerwald went to Macha. Steckleys were posted at Macha since it seems Wenger was often sick. They had lovefeast and baptism for 18 (including some women and some from out schools) in June/July. [EV.1913.09.08.14-15]

Davidson includes this baptism photo in her book, but the size of the original suggests that it came from Steigerwald’s camera. [hfd.1915, 437]

Go to TOP

1914 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1914.03.02 – Native Conf. (p.19-20)
  • 1914.03.04 – Missionary Conf. (p.14-16)
  • 1914.09.26 – Special Conf. (p.17)
  • 1914.09.28 – Missionary Conf. (p.18)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1914

  • Mar 23rd – Davidson booked passage to USA. Sr Doner and E.Engle remained at Macha. Davidson left March 28th. [EV.1914.02.23.19]
  • WW1 began in July, complicating travel between Africa and the USA. Davidson had to go back to Africa by way of Australia and Taylors delayed their return.
  • July 27th – Elizabeth Engle visited villages near Macha, including Mahinba’s and Sikbenga’s
    (Sichibenga) villages. [EV.1914.09.21.15-16]. A continuation of this article mentions Kabwe and
    Kabanzi (“the oldest of the out schools and the place where the largest number of believers live.”) [EV.1914.10.5.14-15] Teachers “Jamu,” “Mafuta” and “Chikaile” were at those schools.
Go to TOP

1915 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1915.04.05 – Native Conf. (p.21)
  • 1915.04.06 – Missionary Conf. (p.22)
  • 1915.08.23 – Missionary Conf. (p.23-24)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1915

  • Frances Davidson was in the USA and published her account of mission work in Africa.
  • May 15th – Beti (Elizabeth) Moyo, David and Manuku’s first child, died at Macha. [HFD Diary, August 13,1915].
  • Apuleni and Johanis met Davidson at the Bulawayo station upon her return from the USA; It seems they were working [HFD Diary, Dec 31,1915].
  • “In 1915, God’s word began to be preached in the Sikalongo District,” probably referring to evangelistic trips by D.Moyo and H.Frey. [ev.1938.08.01-13.
Go to TOP

1916 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1916.03.13 – Native Conf. (p.27)
  • 1916.03.14 – Missionary Conf. (p.25-26)
  • 1916.09.04 – Missionary Conf.  (p.28)
  •  

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1916

  • October 7th — Taylors reached Choma, having left the USA in July. Sallie Doner, David Moyo, and
    others from Macha came to meet them. [EV.1916.12.11-24]
  • In mid-October, Myron Taylor went to Sikalongo, bringing his things by various means in order to settle in before the rains. It is likely that he took Chikaile and Steliki Muddenda with him.  Adda and the girls stayed at Macha through the 1916-17 rainy season.
Go to TOP

Myron and Adda Taylor began active work at Sikalongo in 1916, remaining for almost two years. Government policies forced them to leave in lae 1918, but they finally returned in November 1920. No photos known photos exist of the early years, but the photo shown here is probably the 1st Sikalongo building, constructed by Myron Taylor in 1916.

1917 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1917.03.13 – Native Conf. (p.31)
  • 1917.03.13 – Missionary Conf.  (p.29)
  • 1917.09.17 – Native Conf.  (p.36)
  • 09.18 – Missionary Conf.  (p.32-35)
  • 1917-43 – Excerpts from Minutes Regarding Allowances (no pages)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1917

  • in May-June, Steigerwald went with Taylor to visit Sikalongo. They took ox and wagon to Choma from Macha, but had to walk from Choma to Sikalongo because of a cattle quarantine. They spent their first night 3 miles out of Choma at “Mr Whitbread’s farm.”
    [EV.1917.08.27-29]
  • Mid-1917 – Adda and the girls joined Myron at Sikalongo. They were there by “Vacation” according to Davidson [EV.1917.12.17-pp27-28]
  •  
Go to TOP

1918 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1918.06.13 – Missionary Conf. (p.37)
  • 1918.10.19 – Missionary Conf. (p.38)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1918

  • Writing sometime before March 1918, Adda Taylor noted that they were still at Sikalongo. She said the government allowed them to remain until June 1, 1918, but she hoped they would be allowed to stay permanently. [EV.1917.03.11-17ff].
  • Early September – The Taylors were required by the government to move out of Sikalongo temporarily. They left and stayed on a corner of Hugh Walker’s farm. (Diff.133). Acc to a Taylor letter, Mr. Whitbread also offered them a place on his farm. [EV.1918.07.29-26ff]

The Walker family were among the earliest settlers in the area and long time friends of BIC missionaries. Myron Taylor had a particularly close relationship with the Taylor men. This photo was included in the Anna Taylor album and shows the Walkers and McKees after a hunting trip.

Go to TOP

1919 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1919.04.09 – Special Conf. (p.39)
  • 1919.08.06 – 1st African Conf.  (p.40-41)
  • 1919.09.17 – Native Conf. (p.42-43)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1919

  • Nov 8th – Ruth Taylor sailed to USA with Sadie Book and Cora Alvis. She was 9 years old at the time. She went to live with her aunt, Elizabeth Zook, in Kansas.
  •  
Go to TOP

1920 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1920.08.16 – 2nd All Africa Conf. (p.45-48)
  • 1920.08.23 – Native Conf. (p.44)
  • 1920.08.24 – Executive Board (p.49)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1920

  • Oct – Taylor got formal permission to open Sikalongo Mission, and he went immediately to resume the work there. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  •  
Go to TOP

1921 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1921.02.23 – Executive Board (p.50-52)
  • 1921.02.25 – Board of Managers (p.53)
  • 1921.07.05 – Executive Board (p.)
  • 1921.07.06 – Teachers and Evangelists (p.54)
  • 1921.09.22 – Executive Board (p.64)
  • 1921.09.29 – All Africa Conf. (p.55-62) [some pages not yet scanned].

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1921

  • March – Adda and Anna joined Myron at Sikalongo. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  • July 26th – Heise and Hostetter (visiting from the USA) went to Johannesburg to talk with I. O. Lehman about the woJuly 26th – Heise/Hostetter went to Johannesburg to talk with I. O. Lehman about the work there, a long time point of dissension. The results were not good, and things ended badly. [EV.1922.04.24-16ff].
  • Nov 2nd – Heise / Hostetter went to Sikalongo from Macha, accompanied by Lila Coon. [EV.1922.01.30-12ff].
Go to TOP

1922 Minutes

Minutes

  • Note: Some minutes from 1922 seem to be missing or perhaps in another collection. Some meetings seem not to have been included in the numbered collection (e.g., 1922.10.02 Exec Board), but minutes exist separate from the bound/numbered collection.
  • 1922.01.23 – Executive Board (p??) [rescan, cut off]
  • 1922.07.08 – General Mission Conf. [3rd All Africa] [Note: rescan. Missing some pages of scan]
  • 1922.10.02 – Executive Board [rescan if possible].
  • 1922.12.02 – Executive Board

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1922

  • General Conference was at Macha. This was when Davidson learned about pending changes. Manns came to Macha in October. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  • Frances Davidson left Africa in December 1922 never to return. Sadly, she learned about her removal as leader of Macha Mission without warning. The language of Executive Board minutes following her departure reflect the angst of the moment.
  •  
Go to TOP

1923 Minutes

Minutes

  • Note: The list below is a list of the minutes from the first scan.
  • 1923.02.12 – Executive Board
  • 1923.03.08 – Executive Board
  • 1923.07.24 – Executive Board
  • 1923.07.30 – Missionary Conf.
  • 1923.08.10 – Informal Meeting
  • 1923.09.02 – Executive Board
  • 1923.10.22 – Inspection Committee
  • 1923.11.13 – Executive Board

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1923

  • 1924 – The administration of Northern Rhodesia was transferred from BSAC to the British Colonial Office, with Livingstone as capital of the protectorate.
  • Educational policies began to change as a result of the new administrative structures.
  • October – Jesse Chikaile and his wife came to Sikalongo to help. He became a stallwart in the development of the mission. [MissHbk.1924-p25]
Go to TOP

1906 Minutes

  • Minutes do not exist but meetings undoubtedly took place since the 1907 minutes mention a 1906 meeting.

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1906

  •  July 4th, Frances Davidson, Adda Engle, Ndlhalambi Moyo and Gomo Sibanda went to Northern Rhodesia to establish a new mission station. They crossed the newly-finished Victoria Falls Bridge, disembarked at Livingstone, met with Mr. Sykes, and proceded to Macha. They spent Aug-Nov working hard to get a weather-proof building.
    [ev.1907.02.01-14(HFD)]
  • August 1st: The four arrived at Livingstone. They met with local authorities (Notably Mr. Sykes),  proceded to Kalomo, and eventually settled at Macha [Davidson, 280].

Construction of Victoria Falls Bridge began in 1904 and was completed in June of 1905. It marks the beginning of a wave of expansion into Northern Rhodesia.

Go to TOP

1907 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1907

  • Feb 19th – Macha School opened. The earliest students included Chief Macha’s son, Apuleni Moono, Jesse Chikaile, and Mafulo. Davidson noted that Chief Macha sent his son, Sichibenga, to Macha mission. Apuleni followed a week later. Others mentioned include Kajika, Mafulo, Jim and Tom. Apuleni seems to have been especially talented, judging from Davidson’s later comments.
    [HFD.South.1915.278-279]
  • April-Sept – HFD noted the possibility of a “native uprising” by Lewankia (to the south). [HFD.South.1915.286]
  • Nov. 10th — Myron Taylor arrived in Africa.[HFD.South Africa.1915.287]

Myron Taylor apparently brought his camera to Macha because the earliest photos seem to have been taken by him. [HFD.South Africa.1915.287]

Go to TOP

1908 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1908

  • By January of 1908, the school included 18 boys and young men. [HFD.1915, 287]
  • June 10th – Wengers arrived at Macha (accomp by Steigerwalds). This seems to be
    Steigerwald’s first trip to Macha. It also marked the 1st lovefeast at Macha. The began brick making for
    serious building efforts. Adda Engle, Moyo and Sibanda returned to Matopo with
    Steigerwalds. [ev.1908.09.15.5(HFD)]
Go to TOP

Myron Taylor is the likely photographer of an iconic photo of this earliest group of Macha students, which includes both David Moyo and Gomo Sibanda.

1909 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1909

  • Apr 1st – Davidson noted that Moyo was back at Macha from Matopo. She also noted that Taylor was
    often out of the mission station doing evangelistic work. [EV.1909.04.01.5]
  • Nov. 4th – Taylor and Engle married @Macha. Davidson includes a photo of local chiefs and headman. [HFD.1915.307-30]. The wedding was quite an affair with local dignitaries (Chief Macha and local headmen), along with a big feast.

This photo of local chiefs and headman was taken in 1909 at Macha.

Go to TOP

1910 Minutes

  •  1910
    [No extant minutes yet been found.]

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1910

  • June 30 – Engle, Heisey and D.Moyo returned to Matopo and Moyo married Mankunku Sibanda from Mapane (possibly the sister of Sichikupi Sibanda). [EV.1910.08.22.4(Eliz.Engle)]
  • Taylor began to think about establishing another mission station. This is clear from his various evangelistic trips (north to Ila-land, etc.). [Diff.130]
  • December 22 – David Moyo married Mankunku Sibanda at Mapane. This was evidently her home place. Moyo had taught there for several years before going to Macha.

This photo of David and Mankunku Moyo illustrates the degree to which African BIC had acquired Western ways.

Go to TOP

1911 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1911

  • Feb 20th EV letter tells the story of chief Macha’s death. As it turned out, he seems to have
    been a murdered by a jeaous relative. [EV.1911.02.20.5-6]
  • Dec 28th – A Steigerwald letter describes their time at Macha with Sheets and Engle (visiting USA observation team). While at Macha, they had love feast and baptism with 11 boys baptized. They also dedicated the new Macha church.
    [EV.1912.02.05.]

Significant building at Macha Mission during 1911 dry season. Photos show a brick church, several houses, and a sizeable building for young male students. Gomo Sibanda came to Macha to help.

Go to TOP

1912 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1912
    [Note: No extant minutes have yet been found.]

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1912

  • Apr 29th — A letter from Davidson noted places wanting schools: Kabanzi, Chikuni, Mianda, Kabwe. Apparently there were already 4 other schools with 125 enrolled. [EV.1912.04.29.7(HFD)]
  • June 17 (ca.) – Taylors went to Sikalongo to check the place out. Sikalongo was eventually chosen as site of a new mission station [diff.131] [HFD Diary, June 27, 1912].
  • Sept Latter part – Moyo left for Natal to study at Adams Mission Station. [HFD.South.1915.432]

Macha Mission could not have been established without David Moyo and Gomo Sibanda. This photo shows the two men (L: Gomo, R: David).

Go to TOP

1913 Minutes

Minutes

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1913

  •  The Taylor family was in the USA on furlough. June 19, 1913 – Anna Taylor was born in Abilene, Kansas.
  • June – The “first native Christian marriages at Macha” [HFD.1915. 426, 437-438]
  • June – Steigerwald went to Macha. Steckleys were posted at Macha since it seems Wenger was often sick. They had lovefeast and baptism for 18 (including some women and some from out schools) in June/July. [EV.1913.09.08.14-15]

Davidson includes this baptism photo in her book, but the size of the original suggests that it came from Steigerwald’s camera. [hfd.1915, 437]

Go to TOP

1914 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1914.03.02 – Native Conf. (p.19-20)
  • 1914.03.04 – Missionary Conf. (p.14-16)
  • 1914.09.26 – Special Conf. (p.17)
  • 1914.09.28 – Missionary Conf. (p.18)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1914

  • Mar 23rd – Davidson booked passage to USA. Sr Doner and E.Engle remained at Macha. Davidson left March 28th. [EV.1914.02.23.19]
  • WW1 began in July, complicating travel between Africa and the USA. Davidson had to go back to Africa by way of Australia and Taylors delayed their return.
  • July 27th – Elizabeth Engle visited villages near Macha, including Mahinba’s and Sikbenga’s
    (Sichibenga) villages. [EV.1914.09.21.15-16]. A continuation of this article mentions Kabwe and
    Kabanzi (“the oldest of the out schools and the place where the largest number of believers live.”) [EV.1914.10.5.14-15] Teachers “Jamu,” “Mafuta” and “Chikaile” were at those schools.
Go to TOP

1915 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1915.04.05 – Native Conf. (p.21)
  • 1915.04.06 – Missionary Conf. (p.22)
  • 1915.08.23 – Missionary Conf. (p.23-24)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1915

  • Frances Davidson was in the USA and published her account of mission work in Africa.
  • May 15th – Beti (Elizabeth) Moyo, David and Manuku’s first child, died at Macha. [HFD Diary, August 13,1915].
  • Apuleni and Johanis met Davidson at the Bulawayo station upon her return from the USA; It seems they were working [HFD Diary, Dec 31,1915].
  • “In 1915, God’s word began to be preached in the Sikalongo District,” probably referring to evangelistic trips by D.Moyo and H.Frey. [ev.1938.08.01-13.
Go to TOP

1916 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1916.03.13 – Native Conf. (p.27)
  • 1916.03.14 – Missionary Conf. (p.25-26)
  • 1916.09.04 – Missionary Conf.  (p.28)
  •  

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1916

  • October 7th — Taylors reached Choma, having left the USA in July. Sallie Doner, David Moyo, and
    others from Macha came to meet them. [EV.1916.12.11-24]
  • In mid-October, Myron Taylor went to Sikalongo, bringing his things by various means in order to settle in before the rains. It is likely that he took Chikaile and Steliki Muddenda with him.  Adda and the girls stayed at Macha through the 1916-17 rainy season.
Go to TOP

Myron and Adda Taylor began active work at Sikalongo in 1916, remaining for almost two years. Government policies forced them to leave in lae 1918, but they finally returned in November 1920. No photos known photos exist of the early years, but the photo shown here is probably the 1st Sikalongo building, constructed by Myron Taylor in 1916.

1917 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1917.03.13 – Native Conf. (p.31)
  • 1917.03.13 – Missionary Conf.  (p.29)
  • 1917.09.17 – Native Conf.  (p.36)
  • 09.18 – Missionary Conf.  (p.32-35)
  • 1917-43 – Excerpts from Minutes Regarding Allowances (no pages)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1917

  • in May-June, Steigerwald went with Taylor to visit Sikalongo. They took ox and wagon to Choma from Macha, but had to walk from Choma to Sikalongo because of a cattle quarantine. They spent their first night 3 miles out of Choma at “Mr Whitbread’s farm.”
    [EV.1917.08.27-29]
  • Mid-1917 – Adda and the girls joined Myron at Sikalongo. They were there by “Vacation” according to Davidson [EV.1917.12.17-pp27-28]
  •  
Go to TOP

1918 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1918.06.13 – Missionary Conf. (p.37)
  • 1918.10.19 – Missionary Conf. (p.38)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1918

  • Writing sometime before March 1918, Adda Taylor noted that they were still at Sikalongo. She said the government allowed them to remain until June 1, 1918, but she hoped they would be allowed to stay permanently. [EV.1917.03.11-17ff].
  • Early September – The Taylors were required by the government to move out of Sikalongo temporarily. They left and stayed on a corner of Hugh Walker’s farm. (Diff.133). Acc to a Taylor letter, Mr. Whitbread also offered them a place on his farm. [EV.1918.07.29-26ff]

The Walker family were among the earliest settlers in the area and long time friends of BIC missionaries. Myron Taylor had a particularly close relationship with the Taylor men. This photo was included in the Anna Taylor album and shows the Walkers and McKees after a hunting trip.

Go to TOP

1919 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1919.04.09 – Special Conf. (p.39)
  • 1919.08.06 – 1st African Conf.  (p.40-41)
  • 1919.09.17 – Native Conf. (p.42-43)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1919

  • Nov 8th – Ruth Taylor sailed to USA with Sadie Book and Cora Alvis. She was 9 years old at the time. She went to live with her aunt, Elizabeth Zook, in Kansas.
  •  
Go to TOP

1920 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1920.08.16 – 2nd All Africa Conf. (p.45-48)
  • 1920.08.23 – Native Conf. (p.44)
  • 1920.08.24 – Executive Board (p.49)

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1920

  • Oct – Taylor got formal permission to open Sikalongo Mission, and he went immediately to resume the work there. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  •  
Go to TOP

1921 Minutes

Minutes

  • 1921.02.23 – Executive Board (p.50-52)
  • 1921.02.25 – Board of Managers (p.53)
  • 1921.07.05 – Executive Board (p.)
  • 1921.07.06 – Teachers and Evangelists (p.54)
  • 1921.09.22 – Executive Board (p.64)
  • 1921.09.29 – All Africa Conf. (p.55-62) [some pages not yet scanned].

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1921

  • March – Adda and Anna joined Myron at Sikalongo. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  • July 26th – Heise and Hostetter (visiting from the USA) went to Johannesburg to talk with I. O. Lehman about the woJuly 26th – Heise/Hostetter went to Johannesburg to talk with I. O. Lehman about the work there, a long time point of dissension. The results were not good, and things ended badly. [EV.1922.04.24-16ff].
  • Nov 2nd – Heise / Hostetter went to Sikalongo from Macha, accompanied by Lila Coon. [EV.1922.01.30-12ff].
Go to TOP

1922 Minutes

Minutes

  • Note: Some minutes from 1922 seem to be missing or perhaps in another collection. Some meetings seem not to have been included in the numbered collection (e.g., 1922.10.02 Exec Board), but minutes exist separate from the bound/numbered collection.
  • 1922.01.23 – Executive Board (p??) [rescan, cut off]
  • 1922.07.08 – General Mission Conf. [3rd All Africa] [Note: rescan. Missing some pages of scan]
  • 1922.10.02 – Executive Board [rescan if possible].
  • 1922.12.02 – Executive Board

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1922

  • General Conference was at Macha. This was when Davidson learned about pending changes. Manns came to Macha in October. [HFD diary. 1924.03.16]
  • Frances Davidson left Africa in December 1922 never to return. Sadly, she learned about her removal as leader of Macha Mission without warning. The language of Executive Board minutes following her departure reflect the angst of the moment.
  •  
Go to TOP

1923 Minutes

Minutes

  • Note: The list below is a list of the minutes from the first scan.
  • 1923.02.12 – Executive Board
  • 1923.03.08 – Executive Board
  • 1923.07.24 – Executive Board
  • 1923.07.30 – Missionary Conf.
  • 1923.08.10 – Informal Meeting
  • 1923.09.02 – Executive Board
  • 1923.10.22 – Inspection Committee
  • 1923.11.13 – Executive Board

Noteworthy Nuggets from 1923

  • 1924 – The administration of Northern Rhodesia was transferred from BSAC to the British Colonial Office, with Livingstone as capital of the protectorate.
  • Educational policies began to change as a result of the new administrative structures.
  • October – Jesse Chikaile and his wife came to Sikalongo to help. He became a stallwart in the development of the mission. [MissHbk.1924-p25]
Go to TOP