Royal Gould Wilder

Royal Gould Wilder (October 27, 1816 – October 10, 1887) was an American Christian missionary. He worked in the principality of Kolhapur for the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions from 1846 to 1860, as an independent missionary from 1862 to 1870 and finally under the American Presbyterian Mission from 1870 till 1875.

Royal Gould along with his wife Elizabeth Jane Smith laid the foundation of systematic education in the area of Kolhapur principality and founded eight schools in the principality He was the uncle of American farmer Almanzo Wilder and his brother Gould Wilder, the latter of whom took after his name. His father Abel Wilder worked as a ship-carpenter in Portland. While at Andover Wilder was part of the Society of Inquiry on missions as well as the more secret "Society of the Brethren"

Life as a missionary

Missionary with ABCFM (1846-1861) Royal Gould Wilder joined the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions with his wife Elizabeth as missionaries and in 1846, left for India along with Samuel B. Fairbank.

Wilder's firm beliefs and strong viewpoints brought him in conflict with the administration and the board. He was transferred to Kolhapur to set up a new mission. There were also discussions in the mission about teaching in English versus the vernacular language in which Wilder did not seek rapid conversions but instead, emphasized that local people should first gain a full understanding of the Gospel before baptism.

Independent missionary (1862–1870) Royal Gould Wilder's work was recognized and respected by his presbytery and supporting churches. After the ABCFM discontinued the Kolhapur mission, he chose to continue the work independently, without backing from the ABCFM or any other missionary board. However, he did receive support from the Presbytery of Champlain in the Albany Synod, as well as from friends who sympathized with his efforts.

Wilder re-established the church in Kolhapur in 1862, erecting a new building near the original site at his own expense. Wilder still had good relations with the ruler of Kolhapur and resumed his educational work. By then, the mission was in a stable condition and education had taken root in Kolhapur. The ruler of Kolhapur had established a brand new school called "Rajaram High School" and Wilder now spent more time focusing on missionary work.

Publications

Missionary Review of the World Mission Schools in India of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions Commentary on the Gospels of Matthew & Mark Commentary on the Gospel according to Luke Translation of 1 Chronicles, Job from English into Marathi The Shepherd of Salibury Plain - Translated into Marathi The Dairyman's Daughter - Translated into Marathi