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Marsh’s contribution to mission stations for both the Xhosa and Zulu people was generous

and in a recent source (Open Doors: Methodism in South Africa 1883-1933, Donald Cragg &
Joan Millard, Methodist Publishing House, 2013) there are frequent references to his

generosity in supporting the work of missions. When the missionary grants from England
shrank and local giving fell short of expectations Marsh was one of those who came to the

rescue. His financial support made possible the establishment of a viable mission station at
Ludeke (near Bizana). This had until then been an out-station of the Mfundisweni Circuit.

When the Rev. Arthur Edmunds used the mission press at Palmerton to publish a Xhosa

magazine and simple vernacular scripture commentaries, it was with the help of a subsidy
from Marsh. In 1911 his gift of £2,000 and an ongoing subsidy made possible new ventures

at Nongoma and Ingwavuma in Zululand. In 1901 his financial support had made possible the

re-opening of the Buntingville Institution near Umtata. His financial support helped to
establish the Wesley Training College in Salt River in 1914.

Other notable works in which Marsh was involved were, the establishment of the Andrew
Murray Missionary House, which afforded rest and comfort to many missionaries of all

churches throughout the world, and his financial support for the S. A. Temperance Alliance.

Marsh was a quiet, humble and patient man who was gifted with both a strong will and
determination for which he was widely respected among all denominations. He was a firm

believer in the power of prayer and sought God’s guidance in all things. He was one of South
Africa’s great early 20th century Christians who devoted his life and his inheritance to the

spread of Christianity. Pillars of strength for which he is best remembered include: his

missionary work and his financial help to mission stations; his evangelical countering of
spiritual liberalism; his establishment of the Bible Institute, the Marsh Memorial Home, the

Observatory Methodist Church and the Heatherdale Children’s Home; his generosity in
helping others in their devotion to the spread of Christianity; his wholehearted devotion to the

Work of God which manifested itself in his love to others. (part extracts from his obituary in
the Minutes of the Conference of the Methodist Church 1936, pp. 8 & 9).

On 23 May 1938 per Deed of Transfer 6957 Jane donated Roxton by way of a gift to the

Bible Institute with the following special conditions imposed by her, namely: