James Hough


Biography

Honourable James Hough was born in Cumberland, England, in 1789. He studied at the University of Cambridge and later graduated from the Biblical Seminary.

Key Details:

In 1814, James Hough was ordained as a minister. Though he served in local churches, he always admired the life of a missionary. He believed there was nothing more important than spreading the Gospel and dedicated himself fully to missionary work.

Ministry in India:
Hough was inspired to serve as a missionary after hearing a preacher speak about the urgent need to share the message of Jesus Christ around the world. Following this calling, he volunteered and traveled to India with a group connected to the East India Company. He became the first Chaplain of the army in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. There, he devoted every moment to serving the Lord.

He wrote five volumes of The History of Christianity in India. Hough worked to bring people to Christ by establishing schools, distributing Bibles and prayer books, and providing spiritual guidance. He also founded the Anglican Bible Society and built a church in Poonthamalli, Chennai, for soldiers to worship.

Through his tireless service, James Hough nurtured the spiritual lives of Christians in Tirunelveli and Chennai. He faithfully completed God’s work and passed away in 1847, leaving a lasting legacy in India.


Mary Louisa Clarke


Biography

Mary Louisa Clarke was the eldest child in a large family in England and was responsible for supporting her family. While many of her peers focused on worldly pleasures, she dedicated her life to serving God through missionary work in India. In 1900, the Disciples of Christ organization sent her to India to support Dr. Mary McGavran, an American missionary already serving there.

Key Details:

Although Clarke had no formal medical training, she quickly learned and became skilled in medical work. She first worked in Damoh, helping Hindu and Muslim women. She learned about their culture and taught them ways to improve their daily lives. Later, she moved to Kulpahar, where she managed a charity home for women and children.

Ministry Work in India:
At Kulpahar, Clarke worked to restore hope to women and children who had been neglected. She became a mother to the children and a caring sister and friend to the women.

In 1923, she moved to Jhansi and worked with a group called the Bible Women. These women reached many Indian women who were not allowed to appear publicly, teaching them about the Gospel. Later, Clarke returned to Damoh to oversee school activities. As a principal, she managed schools efficiently even with limited funds.

Under her leadership, manual training classes for boys and girls were started. She was known for her hospitality and quiet reliability. Whatever task she was given, she completed it thoroughly and with care.