– A Faithful Missionary to India
Birth: –
Home Calling: 1935
Native Place: New York
Country: United States of America
Place of Vision: India
Early Life and Call
Mary Graybiel was one of four young women who, in 1882, sailed to India to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her interest in missionary work began when she was a young girl reading the life story of Ann Hasseltine Judson, one of the first American women missionaries. That story touched her deeply and made her long to serve God in the same way.
While attending a Sunday School institute in Buffalo, she found a pamphlet from the Christian Woman’s Board of Missions inviting young women to apply for missionary work in India. Mary prayed about it and sought God’s guidance. The Lord spoke to her through the Bible verse:
“Behold, I have set before thee an open door.”
Feeling that this was God’s call, she wrote to the Mission Board expressing her desire to go to India as a missionary.
Journey and Early Ministry in India
In 1882, Mary arrived in Bombay (now Mumbai) and later moved to Central India. She first served in Ellichpur, then in Harda, Mungeli, and finally in Bilaspur.
Mary began her ministry among women and children, visiting homes, schools, and marketplaces to share the message of Christ’s love. She often worked with another missionary, Ada Boyd. While Ada focused on women, Mary’s heart was drawn especially to children.
Building Schools and Orphanages
In 1886, Mary used her own savings to start a school for girls. Later, she opened an orphanage to care for the children who had no family. She personally oversaw the construction of the school and orphanage buildings in Bilaspur.
In 1894, she started another mission station at Mahoba, a place with no Christian presence at that time. During a severe famine, Mary rescued about 800 children from starvation and gave them food, shelter, and education.
Her Character and Legacy
Mary Graybiel was a woman of many talents — an architect, builder, teacher, leader, and mother to hundreds of children. She never wanted rest; instead, she always searched for new ways to serve Christ. Her strong faith, love, and sacrifice brought hope to many poor and suffering lives in India.
After more than 50 years of tireless service, she was called home to her eternal rest in 1935.
Summary
- Missionary to: India
- Year of Arrival: 1882
- Special Focus: Women and children
- Major Work Areas: Bilaspur, Mahoba, Harda, Mungeli, Ellichpur
- Legacy: Built schools and orphanages, saved hundreds of children, inspired many missionaries