CHAPTER XXI
HISTORY OF THE GAZA MISSION OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY (1878-1912)
The Muslim city of Gaza (in Arabic Chazzeh) was visited by the late Rev. F. A. Klein during a tour of investigation in 1862.
Later on a pressing invitation was received from the inhabitants to open a school in their midst.
A catechist was sent to make inquiries, but nothing more was then done.
In 1878, however, the C.M.S. took over the four schools, two for boys and two for girls, containing some 250 to 300 children, and other work which had been started and carried on for several years by Mr. Pritchard, a gentleman of independent means, who had settled in Gaza. Shortly afterwards the Rev. A. W. Schapira entered into residence. He opened a reading-room, which attracted even higher-class Muslims.
Notwithstanding a temporary opposition, the Kaimakam, on Christmas Eve, 1880, addressed the gathering, and encouraged the school.
Medical work was started about 1882, and was the first C.M.S. work of the kind in Palestine.
The dispensary received a gift from the late Rev. John Venn, of Hereford, and a fund was raised in Salisbury Square for establishing a permanent medical mission.
In 1886 the late Rev. Dr. R. Elliot took charge.
Dr. H. J. Bailey was also temporarily at this post in 1890, in order to assist in the medical work.