serampore college

serampore college While working in the cobbler’s shop, Carey was converted to Christianity. He enthusiastically took up the faith, and though little educated, the young convert borrowed a Greek grammar book and proceeded to teach himself New Testament Greek. When his master died, he took up shoemaking, but the cobbler’s life was hard and his pay was insufficient. Carey’s family sunk into poverty and stayed there even after he took over the business. InApril 1789, Carey was called to the pastorate of Harvey Lane Church at Leicester. Here he was brought into association with men of culture, and books were freely placed at his disposal.


During these years he acquired a profound linguistic skill through the study of Hebrew, Latin, Greek, French and Dutch. He supplemented his meager pastoral income by teaching school and making shoes. Convinced that Jesus’ call to “make disciples of all nations” was still relevant, Carey and his family set sail for India on June 13, landing at Calcutta on November 11, 1793. Here he endured six years of extreme trials. In October 1799, things finally turned. He was invited to a Danish settlement in Serampore, near Calcutta. He was now under the protection of the Danes, who permitted him to preach legally (in the British-controlled areas of India, all of Carey’s missionary work had been illegal). He soon mastered numerous Indian languages.


labored constantly for the conversion of individuals, and led in establishing 20 churches and mission stations in India by 1814. His linguistic ability gained for him a professorship in the crown college, Fort William, of Calcutta. With William Ward assisting him as printer and Joshua Marshman as educator, Carey and his colleagues spread the word of the gospel in all ways possible. Carey sought to give the Indian people literary tools and resources that would enable them to evangelize their own country. He led in building a paper mill, setting up a printing press, publishing the first Indian newspaper, as well as the Bible in the language of the people.

serampore college