| Administrative History | The Eclectic Society was founded as a discussion society for Anglican clergymen and laymen in 1783. It was instrumental in the formation of the Church Mission Society in 1799. Early members included John Newton (1725-1807) clergyman and poet, and John Venn (1759-1813) rector of Clapham and founder of Church Mission Society. The first meeting was held at the Castle and Falcon, Aldergate Street, London, 16 January 1783; thereafter meetings were held fortnightly in the vestry of St John's Chapel, Bedford Road. Questions for discussion were decided at the previous meeting.
The topic of overseas missions was first discussed in 1786 and discussed again in 1789 and 1791. Overseas missions were discussed again in 1796, by which time both the Baptist and London Missionary Societies had been founded. On 18 March 1799, the question under discussion, proposed and opened by Rev John Venn, was: 'What methods can we use more effectually to promote the knowledge of the Gospel among the Heathen?': it was ultimately resolved at this meeting to form a Society. The rules of the proposed Society were decided at the next meeting of the Eclectic Society, 1 April 1799.
At a meeting of clergymen and laymen held 12 April 1799 (including nine members of the Eclectic Society), the Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East was formed.
Reference: Eugene Stock, History of the Church Missionary Society, Volume 1 (London 1899); 'Origination of the Church Missionary Society' in 'Church Missionary Record', 1845, number 1, volume 16 (pages 1-6). |
| Custodial History | Presented to the CMS by D. S. Pratt, April 1960. Transferred on permanent loan to the University of Birmingham by the CMS in the 1980s. |