“Betsey believed with all her heart that it is the sacred duty of Christians to offer themselves in humble obedience to God’s call to carry out His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ for the world.” Betsy’s life attested to the depth of this conviction. She became the first single woman to go out as a missionary in the modern era.
Betsey Stockton was born in Princeton, New Jersey in 1798. She was given to Reverend Green, president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), at an early age to work as a domestic slave. Dr. Green invited her to attend evening classes at the college. She developed a love for both learning and teaching.
In 1815, a revival broke out on campus and Betsey surrendered her life to Christ, then was baptized at Princeton’s First Presbyterian Church. It was the beginning of a new journey.
Soon after deciding to follow Christ, the Green’s were determined to grant Betsey her freedom. Unfortunately, their desire to release her from service was hindered by a law requiring gradual emancipation – a law which didn’t go into effect until 1825. So, she became a paid employee instead. She stayed on with the Green’s and continued her education. During this time, she sensed God calling her to take His Word to those who had never heard.
Betsey’s opportunity came when the American Board of Commissions for Foreign Missions offered her a ministry position in Hawaii. Although the mission board paid many of the expenses, missionaries were expected to contribute their own money, as well. Determined to go to Hawaii, Betsey saved her wages. The Green’s also contributed money to help her pursue God’s plan.
Betsey and her team arrived in Hawaii in 1823, and she immediately began learning the native language. She convinced her team leader to allow her to create a school for the Maka’ainana – the common people. Her next hurdle was helping local chiefs understand the value of educating the “common people.” A year later, with permission from the chieftains, Betsey was teaching history, English, Latin and algebra. She didn’t see her duties as “spiritual” but the education she provided, particularly reading and writing, allowed people access to God’s Word and spiritual truths.
In 1825, one of Betsey’s teammates fell ill and they were forced to return to the United States. Before leaving, she trained Hawaiian teachers to continue schooling the children. By 1826, 8000 Hawaiians were educated because of her devotion.
After caring for her dying friend, Betsey returned to teaching – this time at Grape Island, Canada, where she established a school for Native American children. When she returned to Princeton in later years, she not only continued teaching but helped establish the first African American Presbyterian Church (now known as Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church). This location became a night school meeting place where she convinced Princeton seminary students to teach African American history, English, literature and math.
Betsey Stockton died in 1865, leaving behind many students who admired her and were influenced by her unwavering stand for Christ. This pioneer missionary modeled humble obedience and sacrificial love for those who knew her and all generations to come.
“I always knew that the human heart was a sink of sin, and that mine is filled with it: bit I did not know, until now, that the sink was without a bottom.”
– Betsey Stockton
*Biographical information taken from “Missionaries You Should Know: Betsey Stockton” by Lesley Hildreth, imb.org/2018/04/24/missionaries-betsey-stockton/
