Article

Jonathan Goforth

Published Online February 26, 2008

Last Edited December 16, 2013

Jonathan Goforth, Presbyterian missionary (b at Thorndale, Canada W 10 Feb 1859; d at Wallaceburg, Ont 8 Oct 1936). Inspired by G.L. MACKAY's work in Formosa [Taiwan], Goforth left farming to study at Knox College, University of Toronto, graduating in 1886.

Goforth, Jonathan

Jonathan Goforth, Presbyterian missionary (b at Thorndale, Canada W 10 Feb 1859; d at Wallaceburg, Ont 8 Oct 1936). Inspired by G.L. MACKAY's work in Formosa [Taiwan], Goforth left farming to study at Knox College, University of Toronto, graduating in 1886. The following year he was sent to Henan Province, China. Thanks to his policy of identifying with Chinese culture, friendly officials helped the 14 Canadian missionaries and dependants in Henan escape during the Boxer Rebellion. After the uprising the mission grew rapidly. Goforth refused to join the UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA in 1925 and started a mission in Manchuria.