Johann Zacharias Kiernander – Biography
Birth: 1710
Death: December 29, 1799
Country: Sweden
Place of Service: India
Johann Zacharias Kiernander was born in Sweden in 1710. He was one of the first Christian missionaries to begin work in Bengal, even before William Carey and Henry Martyn arrived. He studied theology at Halle University and later worked as a teacher of Latin.
In 1739, Kiernander felt God’s call to serve in India. He first arrived at Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) and served as a missionary in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. When the French captured Cuddalore in 1758, he had to leave the city and move to Calcutta.
Kiernander reached Calcutta in 1759 and began his ministry there. His love for teaching the Bible, his passion for sharing the Gospel, and his honest character drew many people to him. He held Sunday services in a rented room and preached both to English people and the local community in their own languages. Many non-Christians accepted the faith and were baptized through his work.
Kiernander’s marriage brought him financial stability, and he used his wealth to help poor Christians. He built several schools and founded the Old Mission Church in Calcutta, along with housing for missionaries.
He also established one of the first printing presses in Calcutta, which helped spread Christian teachings. Though he lost his wife to cholera, he continued his mission faithfully despite many challenges. Kiernander remained true to his calling until his death in 1799, completing his life’s purpose in service to God.