William Carey
William Carey (1761-1834) was a British Christian missionary, social reformer, and founder of the Baptist Missionary Society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in Northamptonshire, England, Carey worked as a cobbler and later studied theology and linguistics in his spare time.
In 1792, William Carey, along with other Baptist ministers, established the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS), an organization meant to spread Christianity across the world. Carey is often called the "Father of Modern Missions" for his role in the organization.
In 1793, Carey moved to India, where he would spend the majority of his life's work. Upon his arrival, he started learning local languages such as Bengali, Sanskrit, and several other Indian dialects. Carey translated the Bible into various languages, including Bengali, Sanskrit, Marathi, and others. He was also instrumental in establishing Serampore College, which still exists today, with the aim of training Indian Christians for ministry and church leadership roles.
In addition to his missionary work, Carey is also known for his contributions to social reform in India. He fought against societal ills such as the caste system and advocated for the education of women. He was also influential in pushing for the British government to ban the practice of sati, a funeral custom where a widow would immolate herself on her husband's pyre.
William Carey is remembered for his pioneering efforts in spreading Christianity and advocating for social reforms in India, as well as inspiring many others who followed in his footsteps as missionaries around the world.