August 30, 1900 - Willie and Helen Peat Killed

Underwood & Underwood (publisher); James Ricalton (photographer), Missionary refugees fleeing from the "Boxers"—landing at Cheefoo, China, 1901. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Public Domain (No known restrictions on publication).

One of the most violent outbreaks of anti-Christian persecution in modern history occurred during the Boxer Rebellion in China. Beginning in 1899, members of the secret society known as the "Boxers" sought to rid China of foreign influence, targeting diplomats, merchants, missionaries, and Chinese Christians. Fueled by economic hardship, drought, resentment toward foreign powers, and growing nationalism, the movement spread rapidly across northern China. By 1900, many local officials and elements of the Qing government were supporting or tolerating the violence.

Among those caught in the uprising were British missionaries Willie and Helen Peat of the China Inland Mission. Willie had left a successful career as an architect in Scotland to serve in China, while Helen had also answered the call to missionary service. As violence intensified, the couple fled into the mountains with their young daughters, Margaretta and Mary, hiding in caves for several weeks with other missionaries. In what would become his final letter, Willie wrote that whether they lived or died, they trusted they were in God's hands. On August 30, 1900, Boxer fighters discovered their hiding place and murdered the entire family, along with fellow missionaries Edith Dobson and Emma Hurn.

Why It Matters

The Boxer Rebellion claimed the lives of thousands of Chinese Christians and hundreds of foreign missionaries, making it one of the deadliest episodes of anti-Christian persecution in modern history. It also became a turning point in China's relationship with foreign nations and profoundly influenced the future of Christian missions in East Asia.