Edith Warner of the Niger

Edith Warner was a contemporary of Mary Slessor and also served in Nigeria amongst women and children. My thanks to Redcliffe College for providing me with a copy of this book to scan. This title is now in the Public Domain.

G.T. Basden [1873-1944], Edith Warner of the Niger. The Story of Thirty-Three Years of Zealous & Courageous Work Amongst Ibo Girls & Women. London: Seeley, Service & Co. Ltd., 1927. Hbk. pp.91. [Click to download complete book in PDF]

Contents

1. A Contrast and a Call
2. From Liverpool to Lagos
3. Arrival in Onitsha
4. The First Seven Years
5. Removal to Iyi-Enu
6. Permanent Quarters
7. St. Monica’s
8. East and West of the Niger
9. Vacation Ventures
10. Personal Narratives
11. The Last Tour – and After

Chapter 1: A Contrast and a Call

Many there are who have read the inspiring story of Mary Slessor, of Calabar. If we were asked for the briefest description of her personality the reply might be summed up in the one word “character.” Now if you can contemplate a character, prompted by similar impulses, yet completely opposite in expression, you will be able to form a fair idea of the personality of Edith Warner, the subject of this memoir.

One of the marvels of the universe is that no two things are precisely alike. But totally unlike dispositions, equally with diversities of gifts, have their place in the service of God.

It would be difficult to find two women more diverse in upbringing and temperament than Mary Slessor and Edith Warner. Both were saturated with the one idea of uplifting the women and children of Nigeria. They laboured within 150 miles of one another for over thirty years on entirely different principles, and both accomplished work which will stand as a foundation for the future welfare of those for whom they lived and toiled.  [Continue reading]