| Description | Signed minutes, reports and papers of the Centenary Committee and sub-committees appointed to consider and put into action plans for the lead up to the CMS Centenary known as the 'Three Years' Enterprise'. Largely dated 1896-1899 but including earlier papers compiled by the sub-committees whilst considering the subjects with which they were tasked and brief records of action arising from the Centenary Committee B final report to the General Committee.
The records, particularly of Centenary Committee B, may be a useful source for research into the history of CMS missions, different branches of work including industrial, educational and medical mission, literary work, women's work, work with different faiths; CMS procedures and approaches including much concerning recruitment, training and staffing, overseas churches, and decentralisation. The reports give context for CMS developments in the early years of the 20th century which arose out of the Three Years' Enterprise, including appointment of an Auxiliary Committee for work amongst the young 1898, special sub-committees on the constitution of 'Native Churches' 1899, educational and industrial work 1900 and the Foreign Literature Committee 1901, new CMS publications, extension of work with children, and other advances. |
| Administrative History | A Special Centenary Committee was appointed by the General Committee 11 February 1896. The Committee was to draw up recommendations further to the General Committee's resolution that the time leading up to the CMS Centenary (12 April 1899) 'should be employed in strenuous special efforts on their part towards fulfilling more vigorously the Society's share in the Evangelization of the World'. What was to become known as the 'Three Years' Enterprise' (TYE) was to include 'a comprehensive review of the Society's position and methods, both at home and abroad' and efforts to direct the public interest, energy and prayer, expected to arise from the Centenary's approach, into evangelistic 'advance', specifically the strengthening and consolidating of existing CMS missions, extension of operations and encouraging the overseas churches.
The Centenary Committee's report outlining its proposals was approved by the General Committee 10 March 1896. A public statement was issued as a printed manifesto entitled: 'Approaching Completion of the First Hundred Years of the Church Missionary Society'. Four sub-committees (A-D) were appointed 18 March 1896. The sub-committees reported to the Centenary Committee apart from sub-committee B which, after May 1896, reported directly to the General Committee.
A: 'For carrying out such proposals in this committee's Three Years' Enterprise report as would naturally come within the functions of the Funds and Home Organisation committee'.
B: To 'consider methods for initiating the review of the work of the society at home and abroad'.
C: To 'consider what papers and pamphlets concerning the Three Years' Enterprise were required, and to arrange for the preparation and issue of the same'.
D: To 'consider what steps might be taken to foster and extend missionary zeal and interest among children'.
Source: Centenary Committee minutes, reports and committee papers, see CMS/G/CC 2. |