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Dickson, James
1900-1967
Presbyterian Church in Canada
Taiwan, China


Dickson, James and Lillian Glazier (1901-1983), Canadian Presbyterian missionaries in Taiwan.

The Dicksons were sent to Taiwan (Formosa) in 1927, where Canadian Presbyterians first opened work in 1865. Their names became known throughout the island for their work both with the native mountain tribespeople and with those of Chinese descent in the plains areas. They served in Taiwan until 1940, and after World War II from 1946 to 1964. During the war (1940-1946) they served in British Guiana. While the Dicksons were instrumental in establishing medical clinics, leprosy care, and other kinds of Christian service, they are best known for training pastors and establishing local churches. They spearheaded the growth of the church among the mountain people; 386 congregations, a theological institute, a monthly magazine, and many agricultural and self-help projects were established during their years of service. James Dickson was principal of the Taiwan Theological College for over 30 years; under him it grew from a small student body and two teachers to a seminary with 160 students and 11 professors. He also served on many agencies of the General Assembly, synod and presbyteries of the Taiwan church, and on the boards of schools, hospitals, and evangelical organizations. Lillian Dickson developed and promoted through her newsletter world-famous "Mustard Seed" projects throughout the island.

Donald E. MacInnis



Bibliography
Lillian Dickson, These My People: Serving Christ Among the Mountain People of Formosa (1958); Kenneth L. Wilson, Angel at Her Shoulder: Lillian Dickson and Her Taiwan Mission (1964). Obituaries and personal records exist in the archives of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Knox College, Toronto.


This article is reprinted from Biographical Dictionary of Christian Missions, Macmillan Reference USA, copyright (c) 1998 Gerald H. Anderson, by permission of The Gale Group; Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan. All rights reserved.