A Study On Thomas Barclay's Christian Education Activities In Taiwan

Thomas Barclay(1849—1935),a missionary of the English Presbyterian Church,arrived in Taiwan in 1875.He was engaged in missionary work for nearly 60 years,almost devoted his own life to the business of gospel's spread.He has a lot of achievements.At the same time he made huge impact in various fields especially Christian education.The first part is theological education in Taiwan.For one thing,Barclay advocated to build Tainan Theological College,designed the college's concept,established the management institution of the college,plan the college's curriculum,and participated in teaching.For another,Barclay participated in establishing Changrong Middle School,then served as acting principal,guided the school policy,helped students study abroad,and raising development funds for school.The second part is Peh-oe-ji education.Barclay pursued “Roman word education” vigorously.He opened the subject of Peh-oe-ji,translated the Bible of Peh-oe-ji,compile the Peh-oe-ji and English dictionary,and published the newspaper of Peh-oe-ji.As Barclay participated in establishing Taiwan Theological College,and Changrong Middle School,both of which were the origin of church education and modern education in Taiwan.The two schools not only cultivated enormous talents for church,but also made the education in Taiwan step into the modern orbit.Peh-oe-ji education in Taiwan popularized the Roman alphabet,spread the western scientific knowledge,improve the reading ability of believers and non-believers,promote the cultural construction in Taiwan,then protected and continued the cultural heritage of Taiwan language.Barclay's contributions to education developmentin Taiwan,promoted the development of the church and social transformation in Taiwan.