This paper offers a brief account of the rise of British anthropology followed by a survey of the writings of Edwin W. Smith (1876-1957) on the subject. Smith from a Primitive Methodist background is the only missionary of any denomination to be President of the Royal Anthropological Institute. From an Africanist perspective Smith promoted applied anthropology as a tool for mission and development and encouraged anthropological research in a changing Africa. His contribution and approach will be evaluated in the context of modern reflections on anthropology and mission in the imperial era.