# Charles Barff (missionary)

Charles Barff (1791–1866) was an English missionary who played a significant role in spreading Christianity throughout the South Pacific. His missionary efforts contributed to the cultural and religious transformation of Polynesia in the 19th century.

## Early life and missionary calling

Born on September 11, 1791, in England, Barff trained for missionary service at Surrey Chapel in 1811 under the guidance of Reverend Rowland Hill. Inspired by the evangelical movement, he felt a strong calling to spread the gospel to distant lands. He married Sarah Swain, who shared his commitment to missionary work, and together they embarked on a journey to the South Seas under the auspices of the London Missionary Society.

## Arrival in the Pacific and settlement in Huahine

Barff and his wife departed England on July 14, 1816, reaching Rio de Janeiro on September 16, Sydney on December 20, and finally Moorea on November 17, 1817. The following year, on July 25, 1818, he relocated to Huahine, where he established his permanent mission station. His work contributed to the spread and consolidation of Christianity on the island, fostering strong ties with the local population.

## Missionary travels and influence

Throughout his career, Barff was actively involved in missionary expeditions across the Pacific Islands. In 1830, he accompanied John Williams on a voyage to the Hervey Islands, Samoa, and the Friendly Islands, departing from Raiatea on May 24 and returning in September. Between May 11 and June 26, 1834, he visited Aitutaki and Samoa, further strengthening missionary efforts in the region. In October 1835, Barff accompanied Daniel Wheeler and his son, members of the Society of Friends, to Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. He also played a role in the expansion of missionary activities in Samoa, accompanying newly appointed missionaries there on May 17, 1836, before returning to Huahine on August 19.

## Political context and support for the sovereignty of the Leeward Islands

Barff also defended the independence of the Leeward Islands. On November 21, 1845, in Raiatea, George Seymour declared before Kings Tamatoa IV, Tapoa II, and Queen Pōmare IV that Her Majesty's Government considered the acts establishing the French Protectorate in the Leeward Islands to be invalid until the doubts regarding their independence had been resolved. The day before, on November 20, 1845, in Huahine, Barff presented him with a letter along with copies of laws and port regulations enacted by their rulers from 1820 to 1845, affirming the independence of the Leeward Islands.
Between 1852 and 1854, Barff witnessed the decline of Queen Teriitaria II and the rise of Teururai . With his strong command of the Tahitian language, he also served as an interpreter for King Ari'imate.

## Return to England and later life

In 1846, after nearly three decades in the Pacific, Barff and his family returned to England, arriving on May 16, 1847. However, after a brief stay, he and his wife decided to return to Huahine, departing on October 19, 1847, and arriving on April 29, 1848. As he aged, Barff faced increasing health challenges. In 1855, he was allowed to retire on a pension, but his dedication to missionary work led to his reinstatement in July 1859. In 1860, he moved to Taha'a to oversee the missionary training institution, but he returned to Huahine a few months later. Finally, in March 1864, due to his declining health, Barff retired to Sydney, Australia, where he died on June 23, 1866. He leaves descendants on Huahine and throughout Polynesia.