Mission Statement

1.) To keep alive the story and work of Dr. Schweitzer and of the hospital at Lambarene, to help maintain the principles and ethics which are their foundation, and to support the conservation, publication and dissemination of his written legacy.

2.) To maintain and develop the philosophy of Reverence for Life and to study how this can be put into practice in the changing circumstances of today's world for the benefit of future generations.

3.) To support projects world wide which attempt to put these principles into practice.

Chairman's Report 2001

Activities of Dr. Schweitzer’s Hospital Fund as described by Percy F.E.Mark (2001):

The first “Bulletin” issued by friends and supporters of Dr.Schweitzer’s work in Africa was prepared in 1925. In those days there was strong support for his work in this country, as can be seen from the list of council members on the first cover page. Indeed his first helper in Lambarene other than his wife, Hélène, was the 18 year old chemistry student from Oxford, Noel Gillespie, who accompanied him on his second voyage to the Gabon in 1924 as helper and companion. In his “Letters from Lambarene” Dr. Schweitzer vividly describes the adventures of their journey together and how Noel, who was called ‘the lieutenant’ by the Africans, quickly learnt to give intravenous injections and to be a typist, doctor’s assistant, carpenter, general foreman, grave digger and many other tasks.

Then in 1927 Mrs. C.E.B. Russell, a doctor from Scotland, arrived at Lambarene and soon took over the supervision of the clearing of the woods around the hospital and the establishment of the first plantations.

Further help at that time came from the Guildhouse congregation in London, who donated the funds for a new building for the mental patients, in memory of one of their members, Mr.Ambrose Pomeroy-Cragg.

The Dr. Schweitzer’s Hospital Fund, was legally established with a “Declaration of Trust” in 1959, with the “Objects” of supporting: ….medical, missionary purposes… at the Dr.Schweitzer’s Hospital in Lambarene….or other hospitals administered….in accordance with his principles in any part of the world.

In 1979 Dr. James Witchalls succeeded Sir Clement as chairman and through the very active participation of Dr.Stanley Brown, there was a close liaison with the Leprosy Mission in those days, which continued for many years until Dr. Brown's death in 1986. Soon after taking over from Sir Clement as chairman of the British Committee, Dr.Witchalls was elected President of the AISL, the association of national support groups and individuals, which was established under the name “Association Internationale pour l’oeuvre du Dr. Albert Schweitzer de Lambarene” shortly after Dr.Schweitzer’s death in 1965.

Whilst in Lambarene reorganisation focused around the construction of a new hospital (for which the British Committee supplied the funds for the purchase of land adjoining the old hospital). In Europe a series of conferences and seminars, particularly in eastern block countries began to explore the impact of Dr.Schweitzer’s legacy on an affluent West and a developing East and South.

Towards the end of his life Schweitzer had made it clear that he regarded the philosophy of Reverence for Life and his written work as his main legacy to humanity, and that the hospital at Lambarene was the place where he could practice this philosophy in direct action.

The change of emphasis therefore, which has gradually taken place for many of his supporters, has resulted in a wider focus. This includes the need to disseminate the written legacy, to continuously find ways to practice the philosophy in a changing world and to support projects any where which attempt to base their actions on Reverence for Life.

For the British Committee, the production of this web-site marks the end of this period of transition and the release of new energy born out of a clear perception of the importance, which Dr.Schweitzer’s legacy potentially has, in the search for a way out of the dilemma which faces mankind today: the stampede after affluence regardless of ethical, social and environmental consequences.

Fund Management

Dr. Schweitzer's Hospital Fund Trustees:

Percy Mark - Chairman
Vreni Mark - Secretary
Wendy Schweitzer - Treasurer
James Witchalls - Trustee
Frank Schweitzer - Trustee
Franziska Murray - Trustee
Michael Harris - Trustee