(1848-1915)
As statues, or even sculptures go, Dundee’s memorial is bending the remit. Still, it’s on the PSSAUK.org website so I am duty bound etc…It also gives me the chance to visit the statue of Minnie the Minx in the city square, she’s a fictional character but has her own spirit!
Born in Aberdeen and raised in Dundee, Mary’s start in life was a difficult one. Her father was an alcoholic and as soon as she could work (at a very young age then) she did 12 hour days at a jute mill to support the family. Her faith was led by her mother and Mary dreamed of following in explorer David Livingstone’s footsteps, travelling the world while spreading the word of God.
Being a Missionary can be tainted with negative connotations – the stereotype of a white do-gooder ‘rescuing’ Africans. Mary would indeed have taken up her post with every bit of the Victorian values of the time. Nonetheless, on commencing her work it became clear that Mary’s intentions came from love and duty for humankind and she worked tirelessly to change and indeed save lives, learning the language, traditions and eating and living locally (spurning the missionary residence itself) all the while sending her wages home to support her family.
Did she convert many to Christianity? Probably not. Her premise was on improving people’s lives. There was much work for her around breaking old superstitions. It was believed at the time in the local area that twins were bad luck, with one of them being evil. Without knowing which twin would be ‘evil’ they were often abandoned or killed and their mother banished. Mary saved hundred of twins who had been left to die adopting 9 children throughout her 40 years there.
The memorial was unveiled in 2015 to mark 100th anniversary of her death. Outside Dundee a bust of Mary is displayed at the fabulous Wallace Monument in Stirling.
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