Joseph Harden was born a free man to parents who had known slavery. As an adult, he joined Southern Baptist missions efforts in Liberia, where God gave him the opportunity to work with others, mostly fellow African Americans, to spread the gospel among the people of Africa.

Soon after arriving in Liberia, Joseph lost his wife and infant during childbirth. Added to his grief were continued hardships that included a lack of resources for ministry and even daily life. Joseph recounted his struggles in a letter to the Foreign Mission Board, then added: “Dear Brother, do not suppose for a moment that I am complaining, far be it from me for I have long since consecrated myself to God and the Board, and expect to die preaching the glad tidings of salvation. I shall consider it an honor to die in such a cause.”

Joseph moved to Nigeria, where he met his second wife, Sarah, whose parents had been captured by slave traders but were freed by the British. Sarah was trained as a teacher and shared Joseph’s commitment to missions. The couple established the First Baptist Church of Lagos. When Joseph died, Sarah stayed in the bamboo house he had built for them and raised their two young sons. She relied on the Lord and the kindness of other missionaries while she remained committed to teaching and to the support of local churches.