Dr. Mary Longdon was one of the dedicated missionary women doctors who gave her life to serve people in India. She studied at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she completed her medical degree. The experience she gained as a young doctor there became a great blessing for her later work in India. She also completed her post-graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. After finishing all her training, she offered herself for missionary service and sailed to India in December 1899.
Biography:
- Birth: –
- Home Calling (Death): –
- Native Place: Pennsylvania
- Country: United States of America
- Place of Ministry: India
When Dr. Mary arrived in India, her first posting was at Deogarh, where she served faithfully for nearly twelve years. Later, she was transferred to Bilaspur, where she worked for five years, and then to Pendra Road, where she continued her ministry for ten years. In her later years, she took charge of all the medical work in the Hamirpur District in the United Provinces.
Her responsibilities were many — she cared for women and children in the mission homes at Kulpahar, and often had to travel long distances to places like Mahoba and Rath. These journeys were difficult because of the rough roads and harsh weather, yet she continued her service without complaint.
Mary Longdon’s Ministry in India:
The most important and lasting work of Dr. Mary Longdon was the establishment of the Tuberculosis Sanatorium at Pendra Road — the only institution of its kind in that part of India at the time. The sanatorium served men and women of all religions, offering medical care and comfort to those suffering from the disease.
Through her kindness, humility, and gentle nature, Mary made many friends among the upper-class Indian families. It was through one of these friendships that she received the first donation from a Hindu family to build the sanatorium — a beautiful example of unity and love beyond religion.
Mary personally selected Pendra Road as the perfect location for the sanatorium because of its clean air and peaceful surroundings. Later, the institution became known as a Union Christian Sanatorium. Through her faithful planning and tireless service, countless people were healed — both physically and spiritually.
Dr. Mary Longdon served the people of India with deep love and dedication for thirty-eight years. In 1937, she retired from her active ministry, leaving behind a great legacy of compassion, service, and faith.