Studd, Charles Thomas

(1862–1931)

   Missionary.

   Studd was educated at the University of Cambridge where he emerged as a top-rank cricketer. His father, a rich man, had experienced an evangelical conversion as a result of the mission of D.L. moody, and he encouraged his son to become a missionary. Sponsored by the East China Mission, Studd sailed for China in 1885. Nine years later, illness compelled him to return home and he subsequently went to America where he was involved in the founding of the Student Volunteer Union. Then, in 1900, he travelled to India where he became pastor of the undenominational church at Ootacamund.

   Again he became ill and he went back to England in 1906. Four years later, against medical advice, he went to Africa where he founded the ‘Heart of Africa’ Mission. Later he was involved in the setting up of the Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade which sent missionaries to remote areas of the world. Studd was a signifi- cant figure in that his family position and his cricketing prowess enabled him to attract considerable publicity for all his activities.

   E. Buxton, Charles Thomas Studd (1968);

   N.P. Grubb, After C.T. Studd (1939).