Alexander Murdoch Mackay

Alexander Murdoch Mackay (October 13, 1849 - February 4, 1890) was a Presbyterian missionary to Uganda. He studied at the Free Church Training School for Teachers at Edinburgh, then at Edinburgh University, and finally at Berlin. He displayed a great aptitude for mechanics, and spent several years as a draftsman in Germany.

In 1875, he offered his services as a missionary to the Church Missionary Society, was accepted, reached Zanzibar on his way to his field on May 30, 1876, and then to Uganda in November 1878. There, largely through his knowledge of practical mechanics, he enjoyed the protection of Mutesa; but when Mwanga came to the throne in 1884, Mackay's position became difficult because of the king's opposition, and there was little change when Kiwewa succeeded to the throne in 1888. Mackay still held on, however, and it is largely due to his courage, energy, and devotion that the mission in Uganda was in its flourishing condition in 1914.

He fell victim to a malarial fever, and succumbed after four days of illness, having spent fourteen years in Africa without a return to his native Scotland.

Bibliography

* "Alexander M. Mackay, Pioneer Missionary of the Church Missionary Society in Uganda; by his Sister". London, 1899.
* "Alexander Mackay, Missionary Hero of Uganda". London, 1893.

References

*Schaff-Herzog