Ours is the frontier: A life of GW Cross, Baptist pioneer

Authors

K E Cross

Keywords:

Missiology, South Africa, Church History

Synopsis

253 pp

ISBN  0 86981 383 8

This book looks at the life of G.W Cross, a pastor, founder and president of the Baptist Union of South Africa who made a big difference in South Africa between 1877 and 1920.

At first, K.E Cross (the author) wanted to write a family memoir, but after researching old newspapers and archives, He found much more about his impact. Cross wasn’t famous or highly educated, but he played an important role in his community. He didn’t just focus on his church—he also worked to improve education, culture, and social life.

He was loved and respected by many people, even outside his denomination. His story shows how everyday people, through kindness and dedication, can shape history in meaningful ways.

Contents

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

CHAPTER 1

Beginnings

CHAPTER 2

 Ireland

CHAPTER 3

South African apprenticeship

CHAPTER 4

Trooper G. W. Cross of the Albany Rangers

CHAPTER S

Grahamstown: Sunshine and shadow

CHAPTER 6

 Bowden: The country schoolmaster

CHAPTER 7

 Return to Grahamstown

CHAPTER 8

Gathering storm

CHAPTER 9

Whirlwind 

CHAPTER 10

Interlude: Book lover and literary critic 

CHAPTER 11

Farewell to Grahamstown 

CHAPTER 12

Pretoria: A time to build 

CHAPTER 13

Pretoria: Frustrations and achievements 

CHAPTER 14

Durban: Valley of the shadow 

CHAPTER 15

Bloemfontein: Up-hill to the end 

CHAPTER 16

Task accomplished 

NOTES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INDEX

 

Author Biography

K E Cross

Kathleen Edith Cross is the daughter Of George Cross and the granddaughter of GW Cross – founder and president of the Baptist Union of South Africa.

Beige background, with brown outline drawing of a classical style building (with overlay in centre of oval cameo head-and-shoulders sepia-tone photo of central figure of the book, Cross) with brown lettering at top (title) and bottom (author name)

Published

January 1, 1986