’A Window into the Remarkable Life of Elizabeth Sale’

In celebration of International Womens’ Day, the XTRA Theatre Group have put together a documentary of the life of Elizabeth Sale (1818-1898). Remembered by members of Helenburgh Baptist Church as a missionary filled with courage and care for others.
Born in the South of France to British parents, Elizabeth was the first to found and lead a Christian Mission which sought to educate and care for young women and girls who were held in social captivity in India. Some in high-caste HIndhu homes from which all outside and immediate family were excluded. She was also one of the first women to ‘unofficially’ train in Medicine and Surgery, before women were permitted to enter higher education. A remarkable woman for her time, she would be called a ceiling breaker today, and certainly an inspiration for women who followed.
Elizabeth and her husband, the Rev John Sale, made Helensburgh Baptist church their home church on their retirement. They are commemorated in the church’s beautiful stained-glass window. A window endowed to the church by her daughter, Letitia Zillan Young. Elizabeth died at the age of 80 and is buried in Helensburgh Cemetery in a family plot.
To learn more about the life of Elizabeth Sale, the documentary can be viewed at Helensburgh Baptist Church on Saturday 8th March, International Womens’ Day, at 7pm. Open to all who have an interest in local history.