SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL AMONG THE INDIANS AND OTHERS IN NORTH AMERICA.

INCORPORATED Nov. 16, 1787.

“This is believed to be the oldest missionary society in the country; purely American alike in its origin and its funds." The object of the society is the propagation of the gospel among the Indians; and also among other people, who, through poverty or other circumstances, are destitute of the means of religious instruction. Nineteen individuals or institutions are now employed as instrumentalities for the advancement of this object. Persons become members of the society by election, and the number is limited by the charter to fifty.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE, PIETY, AND CHARITY.

INCORPORATED May 29, 1805.

This society, from its beginning, secured the sympathies and services of the leading ministers and laymen of our denomination. Its anniversary was for many years celebrated by public religious services in the First Church, on the day before the annual election

in May; when a contribution was taken to enlarge its funds. Considerable sums were in this way obtained, as also by private donations and annual assessments. Under its auspices, the "Christian Monitor," a quarterly publication, was issued in 1806, furnished to subscribers, and also, in part, distributed gratuitously. Ten volumes of this having been issued, a new series of the publication was commenced, under the title of "Religious Tracts," a duodecimo volume of some two hundred pages. The society, by its discussions and by its publications, did no inconsiderable service in the period of theological controversy between 1812 and 1816. Their publications may be found in the libraries of Harvard University and of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Of late years, the income of its invested funds has been devoted to the libraries of the Cambridge and Meadville Theological Schools, and the gratuitous distribution of able theological works to clergy

This was originally formed as a Worcester-County society; but it was afterwards re-organized, and its sphere of action enlarged. Its object is to aid feeble parishes in supporting preaching.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING THEOLOGICAL
EDUCATION.

ORGANIZED 1816; INCORPORATED 1831.

This society was originally formed in Boston, July 17, 1816, under the name of "The Society for the Promotion of Theological Education in Harvard University." It has aimed to accomplish the twofold object of enlarging the apparatus of theological instruction, and of affording assistance to meritorious theological students. In 1858, the condition of membership was changed, by a vote of the society, from an annual payment to election.

SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF AGED AND
DESTITUTE CLERGYMEN.

FORMED IN 1848; INCORPORATED 1850.

This society was organized to afford pecuniary relief to aged and destitute Unitarian clergymen. The interest of the invested fund is distributed semi-annually, by the Executive Committee, to such persons as are qualified, according to the requirements of the constitution, to receive aid. The claims of each applicant must be set forth, in writing, by two of his clerical brethren who are well acquainted with his condition and circumstances.

Any individual, male or female, can become a member of the society by the annual payment of one dollar. A payment of ten dollars at one time constitutes any one a member for life, and the payment of one hundred dollars constitutes any one a life-director. OFFICERS FOR 1862-3.

MASSACHUSETTS CONGREGATIONAL CHARITABLE SOCIETY.

This society was incorporated March 24, 1786, "for the humane and benevolent purpose of affording relief and support to the widows and children of deceased ministers. The members may not exceed thirty of the clergy, and laity in equal proportion." The annual meeting is on the Monday preceding the last Wednesday in May.

The annual meeting for address and discussion occurs on the last Wednesday in May, at nine o'clock, A.M.

The object of this society is fellowship, information, consultation, and discussion of plans of usefulness. The annual meeting is on the first Tuesday in February. Meetings are held quarterly at the houses of the members.

ORGANIZED 1834; INCORPORATED 1839.

This association was organized for the purpose of sustaining the Ministry at Large in the city of Boston, and is composed of delegates from the different Unitarian churches in the city. It has the exclusive control of four chapels for the poor, besides employing several missionaries who are not expected to conduct regular church services. Its funds are derived in part from annual contributions, and in part from permanent investments.

The annual meeting of the Fraternity is on the first Sunday of March.

The meeting for organization is on the fourth Sunday of March. The other regular meetings are on the first Sunday of June, the second Sunday of October, and the second Sunday of December.

The delegates are divided into monthly committees. Each committee, during its month, visits the chapels and Sunday schools in Pitts, Canton, South Williams, and Hanover streets, and at Washington Village.

George Merrill, Esq. George O. Shattuck, Esq.

CHILDREN'S MISSION TO THE CHILDREN OF THE DESTITUTE, BOSTON.

INSTITUTED 1849.

The object of this society is to foster in the minds of the young a spirit of Christian sympathy and active benevolence, and to adopt such measures as shall rescue from vice and degradation the morally exposed children of the city.