PIM - The John Chilembwe Legacy

PIM was founded by Reverend John Chilembwe in Chiradzulu district. John Chilembwe (1871 – 3 February 1915) was a Baptist pastor and educator, who trained as a minister in the United States, returning to Nyasaland in 1901. He was an early figure in the resistance to colonialism in Nyasaland (Malawi), opposing both the treatment of Africans working in agriculture on European-owned plantations and the colonial government's failure to promote the social and political advancement of Africans. Soon after the outbreak of the First World War, Chilembwe organised an unsuccessful uprising against colonial rule.

In December 1914, members of the colonial government tricked Chilembwe into setting his church bell on fire ‘so it could be heard very far’. In January, when Chilembwe realised what had happened, his anger grew. Chilembwe’s political ideas and his opposition to the government culminated into an uprising in January 1915.

During the uprising, Chilembwe and his team of 200 men planned to steal weapons and ammunition, attack a European estate and galvanise teams in other independence churches in the Shire highlands. Although he stole some ammunition and succeeded in attacking A.L. Bruce estates and beheaded William Jervis Livingstone, most of his plan completely failed. These attacks were carried out on 23rd January 1915. On Sunday, 24th January 1915, Chilembwe held a church service at PIM while standing next to a pole with Livingstone’s head on it. Chilembwe realised his plan failed and he fled. The government sent troops to destroy Chilembwe;s church using dynamite. Chilembwe was captured and killed on 3rd February 1915 in Mulanje as he attempted to cross into Mozambique.

Today, PIM still stands and it is open to visitors. Guided tours are offered.

I took this video on my visit to PIM recently and decided to share with you all.

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Agorosso

The Eagle's Eye Malawi is a Travel Blog run by Innocent Kaliati (Inno). Inno is an enthusiastic traveler, and he specifically enjoys mountain hiking. While at it, he likes to take people with him, even it means through the lens or even words (blog). For travel inspirations, especially in Malawi, look no further.

[NeoOverride]

Hello! This is Ryan. Allison’s husband.

[malikawa]

Good documentary. Can I sample some of your content about the uprising on a short video I am doing about Malawi and credit you? Thanks.

[jackwhite]

Hi I've been researching about the Chilembwe uprising, John Chilembwe, William Jervis Livingstone and Duncan McCormick and have found the history behind these people very interesting and William Jervis Livingstone's house, where he was killed is apparently still standing I would love if you did a video showing the house and William Jervis Livingstone's and Duncan McCormick's graves which are right next to each other and apparently aren't too far from the house. There are pictures of the graves on facebook but they're pretty bleak and I'd appreciate a video also I'd like to see John Chilembwe's grave if he has one and you know where it is because I couldn't find any information about it on the internet, also if you do know anything behind the history of John Chilembwe's family which I haven't found much about or William Jervis Livingstone's family which there is a decent amount of information about on geni.com and Duncan McCormick's family, I have found very little about him but just to summarise I'd really appreciate if you did a video showcasing Livingstone's house, Livingstone's, McCormicks and Chilembwe's graves and just as much information, pictures and stories you have about these people, thanks.