Late in his career, Alexander Campbell argued strenuously for a national missionary society. In many states, Restoration Movement churches had already organized societies (a 19th Century term for a nonprofit organization) to send out missionaries and to do other good works. Campbell thought the work of the church would be enhanced by a national effort.
As reported by one historian,
The First National Organization
In Cincinnati, O., during October 24-28, 1849, 156 representatives from 100 churches situated in 11 States met as the first National Convention. It was to have been a ‘delegate’ convention, but as many well-known Disciples were present without credentials the rules were waived and the convention became a mass meeting. … Alexander Campbell was named president, (and he held office until his death about 16 years later): vice-presidents were D. S. Burnet, John O’Kane, John T. Johnson, Walter Scott. James Challen was appointed secretary, but was soon succeeded by D. S. Burnet. The Society’s aim was to promote the gospel both at home and abroad. This occurred forty years after the issuing of the ‘Declaration and Address’. Continue reading
My fourth and youngest child has finished high school! This is on account of having all those school years behind me.
Several months ago, I received an email saying I appeared to be a neo-Calvinist. I had no idea what that meant, but as my correspondent knows I’m no Calvinist, I figured I should investigate. And I have. And I’m not a neo-Calvinist — because you have to be a Calvinist to be a neo-Calvinist. So maybe I’m more of a neo-Arminian. Except “neo-Arminian” as a term has already been taken for other purposes. And I’m really somewhere between Calvinism and Arminianism, so call me a neo-Calvi-minian. According to Google, the term is available for use, so I hereby claim it.
