05/04/2026
Rev. J. H. Messmore founded Lucknow Christian Degree College (also known as Lucknow Christian College) in 1862.He was associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as editor of the Lucknow Witness newspaper. He took over after James Mudge, who had been sent to India for missionary work.
Founding Story
Messmore, a pioneer educationist missionary, started the institution as a small school in Lucknow's Husainabad area during British colonial times. He aimed to provide education in the old city, later shifting it to Inayat Bagh, part of the current campus.
Early Growth
In 1862, he founded Lucknow Christian Degree College, starting as a small school in Lucknow's Husainabad area.His main goal was to provide education in the old city, later moving it to Inayat Bagh. His efforts emphasized religious publications and spreading education through missionary activities. By 1882, it became a high school, with degree classes in arts and science starting in 1889, initially affiliated to Calcutta University. The college predates Lucknow University and expanded with professional courses like physical education in 1932 under leaders like E. W. Ted Mumby.
