Early American Missionary to India
Founder of the American Marathi Mission
Early Life and Call to Serve
Gordon Hall was born on April 8, 1784, in Connecticut, USA, into a poor farming family. From a young age, he had a strong faith and wanted to serve God. While studying at Andover Theological Seminary, he met Adoniram Judson and other students who shared the same dream—to take the message of Jesus Christ to faraway countries.
He once received an offer to be a pastor at a rich church in Woodbury, but he turned it down. He said,
“I can sleep on the ground and bear hunger and hardship. God is calling me to preach to those who have never heard of Him; I must go.”
Mission to India
In 1812, Gordon Hall traveled to India as part of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM). He helped start the American Marathi Mission, also called the Bombay Mission, in Bombay (now Mumbai).
He learned the Marathi language so he could speak to the local people and translated the Gospel of Matthew into Marathi, making the Bible more accessible to them.
Work and Service in India
Gordon Hall preached in public places such as temples, markets, and streets. Some people laughed at him, but many listened and believed in Jesus Christ. New believers were welcomed into the fellowship of the church.
He also cared deeply about people’s education and health. He:
- Opened schools and wrote lessons that included Bible teachings.
- Used schools as chapels for Bible study and prayer.
- Gave medical help to sick and needy people.
Hall’s love for the people was shown through both his words and his actions.
His Final Days
In 1826, a cholera outbreak happened in Nasik. Gordon quickly went there to help those who were sick. On his way back, he caught cholera himself. As people gathered around to help him, he used his last strength to preach about Jesus one more time. Then, with a prayer on his lips, he said:
“Glory to Thee, O God!”
He passed away on March 20, 1826, finishing his mission on earth with faith and courage.
Quick Facts
- Born: April 8, 1784 – Connecticut, USA
- Died: March 20, 1826 – Nasik, India
- Mission Field: India (Bombay and nearby regions)
- Mission Organization: American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM)
- Main Work: Founder of the American Marathi Mission; Translator of the Gospel of Matthew into Marathi