Susannah Jane Rankin
Susannah Jane Rankin MBE (26 November 1897 – 24 July 1989) was a Welsh Congregational minister, religious educator, linguist and translator. She spent time as a missionary in Papua New Guinea.
Susannah Jane Rankin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Susannah Jane Ellis 26 November 1897 near Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire |
| Died | 24 July 1989 Australia |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Missionary, translator, educator, college administrator |
| Spouse(s) | Robert Rankin |
Early life and education
Susannah Jane Ellis was born at Pengorffwysfa farm, near Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire, the daughter of Frank Ellis and Jane Ellis.[1] In 1922, she was the first woman at the University of Wales to earn a Bachelor of Divinity, having studied at Bala-Bangor Theological Seminary. She was ordained in 1925 at Pendref, Llanfyllin.[2]
Career
After serving as a lecturer at Lawes Theological College, Rankin became an evangelist in Papua New Guinea (Boku Kapakapa, 1928; Saroa, 1931). She taught English and studied Motu and other local languages. She and her husband, Robert Rankin, were appointed Professor and Principal at Chalmers Memorial Theological College after its establishment in 1957. Her husband died three years later, and she took over the role of Principal till 1964. For her translation work from Welsh and English to the Motu language, Rankin received an Honorary M.A. degree from the University of Wales.[1]
Personal life
Susannah Ellis married Robert Rankin in 1931. Robert Rankin died in 1940, during a leave in Australia.[1] Rankin died in Australia in 1989, aged 91 years.[1]
References
- Gruffydd, Ioan Wyn. "RANKIN, SUSANNAH JANE". Dictionary of Welsh Biography – National Library of Wales. Retrieved 4 March 2016.
- Jones, Robert Tudur (2004). Congregationalism in Wales. University of Wales Press. p. 285. ISBN 978-0-7083-1887-4.