The Prussian nobility founded the Berlin Missionary Society (BMS) to spread Christianity. The Society was active in most African countries, South Africa included. In 1866 Albert Nachtigal of the BMS set up the first mission station at Lydenburg, Transvaal. The Society was convinced that the independence of African societies was a barrier to the spread of God. The Berlin Missionary Society made education available to some of South Africa's prominent leaders such as Sol Plaatjie. For more on the history of mission stations in South Africa click here for our special project.