The Graveyard of Pioneers at Solusi University
This gravesite is a testimony of self-denial and unwavering commitment to mission. This graveyard dates back to 1897. The first people to be buried in the graveyard were little children who had been adopted by the missionaries. The little children were orphans victims of starvation that ravaged the country in 1898. Unfortunately, their graves are unmarked. By early 1897, there were 5 little mounds of these little children. No missionary had died as yet. In 1898, the scourge of death began to visit the missionaries.
Thefirst missionary to be buried was the pioneer medical missionary, George Carmichael. He died on 28 February 1898. A week after the death of George Carmichael, the principal George Byron Tripp died. Also, Amy Sparrow, the daughter of the Sparrows died. They were buried on the same day with George Byron Tripp. This was the 7th of March. Hardly a month later, on the 4th of April, George Byron Tripp, JR, the only son of the deceased principal died. This was the 4th of April. On April 27, the first teacher at the school, John Ntaba Luthuli died. Another missionary, thereafter was Mrs Armitage who died on the 1st of May in Kimberly to South Africa where she had been taken to receive medical attention.
These deaths fell within a space of three months forcing a temporary closure of the institution. Resultantly, the Foreign Mission Board considered the station not to be a conducive place for a mission station and advised the next principal, Fred L. Mead to relocate the mission to a better place. The pioneer missionaries rejected the offer and continued to endure challenges at this mission station. Fred L. Mead succumbed to fever on his way to South Africa. The next principal, Melvin Sturdvent lost his only son, Johnathan, to malaria but he remained at this mission station.
Notice the Grave of George Byron Tripp Sr, George Byron Tripp Jr, and Amy Sparrow under the Tree. The next grave is that of Johnathan Sturdvent. Notice, also, the grave of George Carmichel at the far end. Notice also the earlier graves of the orphans on the left.
At the time, the graveyard was located just behind the church. Below is an old picture of Solusi mission. Notice the location of the old church close to the graveyard. The picture below shows the position of the first church distinguished by congregants leaving the worship space.
Legacy and Remembrance
The pioneer graveyard at Solusi University is more than just a burial site—it is a place of reflection and appreciation for the faith, perseverance, and vision of those who laid the foundation for Adventist education and evangelism in Africa.
