Draft:Reginald Arthur Lorrain
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Reginald Arthur Lorrain | |
|---|---|
| Tlôsaipaw | |
 | |
| Born | July 10, 1880 London, England |
| Died | 1944 (aged 63–64) |
| Occupations | Missionary, linguist, Bible translator |
| Known for | Founder of the Lakher Pioneer Mission; pioneer missionary among the Mara people |
| Spouse | Maud Louisa Lorrain |
Reginald Arthur Lorrain (10 July 1880 – 1944) was a British missionary, linguist and Bible translator who founded the Lakher Pioneer Mission. He is best known for his pioneering missionary work among the Mara people and for introducing the Latin-based writing system for the Mara language, establishing formal education, and laying the foundation of modern Mara literature through his linguistic and translation work.
Early life
[edit]Reginald Arthur Lorrain was born in London, England, on 10 July 1880. He was the younger brother of missionary James Herbert Lorrain, who is noted for his work among the Mizo people. Before entering missionary service, Reginald worked in Canada and later decided to dedicate his life to Christian mission.
Lakher Pioneer Mission
[edit]In 1905, Lorrain and his wife, Maud Louisa Lorrain, established the Lakher Pioneer Mission in London. Unlike many Protestant missionaries of the period, the mission was founded as an independent faith mission supported by voluntary donations rather than by an established missionary society.
On 26 September 1907, the couple arrived at Serkawr in present-day Mizoram to begin missionary work among the Mara people, then commonly referred to as the "Lakher".
Missionary work
[edit]Lorrain devoted much of his life to the development of literacy and education among the Mara people. He devised and promoted a Roman-based orthography for the Mara language, prepared educational materials, established schools and trained local teachers.
He also translated portions of the Bible and other Christian literature into Mara. His translation work laid the foundation for later publication of the Mara New Testament and, subsequently, the complete Bible.
In addition to evangelism, Lorrain promoted literacy, education and community development throughout the Mara region.
Legacy
[edit]The work begun by the Lakher Pioneer Mission contributed to the growth of Christianity among the Mara people and influenced the later development of several Mara Christian denominations, including the Mara Evangelical Church, the Evangelical Church of Maraland, and the Congregational Church in India (Maraland).
Lorrain is widely remembered among the Mara people for his contributions to education, literacy and Bible translation. The Lorrain Theological College and Mission Studies Centre in Yangon is named in his honour.
See also
[edit]- James Herbert Lorrain
- Mara people
- Mara language
- Mara Evangelical Church
- Lakher Pioneer Mission
References
[edit]Further reading
[edit]- Lloyd, J. Meirion. History of the Church in Mizoram.
- FTEA. A History of Churches in Myanmar.
- Mara Evangelical Church. About MEC.
- Lorrain, Reginald Arthur. Grammar and Dictionary of the Lakher Language.
- Lorrain, Reginald Arthur. Lakher Primer.