National Society for Propagation of the Gospel

Founded under royal English charter. Linked tot he society for promoting christian knowledge. According to the terms of its charter the SPG was incorporated for the purposes of (1) “providing a maintenance for an orthodox Clergy in the plantations, colonies, and factories of Great Britain beyond the seas, for the instruction of the King’s loving subjects in the Christian religion”; (2) “making such other provisions as may be necessary for the propagation of the Gospel in those parts;” and (3) “receiving, managing, and disposing of the charity of His Majesty’s subjects for those purposes.” Active in 18th century predominantly in North America bringing the gospel to enslaved black people as well as free white. Had to leave America after revolution and shifted focus to Canada and then after 1823 to Asia and Africa. Tended to develop community activities. Greatest mission successes were India where it is still prominent.