A close-up of a snake coiled around a walking stick.

History

  • Person with rolled-up sleeves reaching into water at the riverbank with buildings and trees in the background.

    [1824]

    Seeds of a Publishing Movement

    The Baptist General Tract Society is founded “to disseminate evangelical truth and inculcate sound morals” through the distribution of tracts. The idea begins when Rev. Noah Davis of Norfolk, Va., writes to former classmate J.D. Knowles proposing the creation of a national tract society.

  • Logo of American Baptist Home Mission Society, North America, with a globe and text around it.

    [1832]

    Founding the Home Mission Society

    Frontier missionary John Mason Peck and Jonathan Going establish The American Baptist Home Mission Society to promote gospel preaching across North America. Peck, already traveling thousands of miles on horseback distributing Bibles and tracts, becomes the society’s first home missionary.

  • A black-and-white portrait of a man with a beard and mustache, wearing a suit.

    [1836]

    Missionaries on the Frontier

    By 1836, 150 missionaries serve across 14 states, two territories and two provinces. Despite opposition from some churches concerned about autonomy, the missionaries report remarkable activity—traveling thousands of miles, preaching hundreds of sermons and organizing new congregations.

  • Group of people working outdoors with lumber and saws, possibly building a structure, in front of a house.

    [1845]

    A Stand Against Slavery

    The American Baptist Home Mission Society refuses missionary appointments to slave owners. Southern Baptists withdraw funding and form the Southern Baptist Convention. Missionaries previously appointed must choose between boards; all but one remain with the original society.

  • A colorful stained glass window with handwritten notes on paper attached to it.

    [1862]

    Ministry to Freed People Begins

    Following the Emancipation Proclamation, the society commits to sending missionaries and teachers to newly emancipated people across the South, bringing Christian instruction and support as military advances open new opportunities for ministry.

  • Black and white portrait of an elderly woman with glasses and short, wavy hair.

    [1863]

    Joanna P. Moore’s Pioneering Ministry

    Joanna P. Moore begins unpaid ministry among freed people in refugee camps, teaching literacy, Bible lessons and homemaking skills. She later establishes “Fireside Schools,” publishes Hope magazine reaching 36,000 homes and helps found Faith Home for the Aged with Kitty Lewis.

  • Historical black-and-white illustration of a large, old brick building with multiple stories and a clock tower in the background.

    [1865]

    Education for Freed Communities

    Schools for freed people begin in humble settings, including abandoned jails and former slave quarters. The society launches a Freedmen’s Fund supporting dozens of institutions, including schools that become Virginia Union University, Arkansas Baptist College and Spelman College.

  • Three black and white vintage portraits of women from the early 20th century.

    [1877]

     Women’s Mission Societies Organized

    Two women’s missionary organizations are formed in Chicago and Boston, partly in response to Joanna P. Moore’s appeals for support. Moore becomes the Chicago society’s first fully commissioned paid missionary.

  • A sepia-toned portrait of a man with a thick mustache and short hair, dressed in vintage clothing.

    [1880]

    William J. Simmons Leads in Education

    Formerly enslaved and later educated at the University of Rochester and Howard University, William J. Simmons is appointed to lead a struggling Louisville school. He later becomes the first African American district secretary for southern states.

  • A large brick apartment building with a staircase leading to the entrance, multiple windows, and a brick facade.

    [1881]

    Missionary Training for Women

    The Women’s Baptist Home Mission Society opens the Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago to prepare women for domestic mission work. Women from multiple denominations attend to train for both domestic and foreign missions.

  • Logo of Southwestern American Baptist Home Mission Society featuring a black and white map of the United States with a dove.

    [1909]

    Women’s Societies Unite

    The WBHMS and WABHMS merge to form the Woman’s American Baptist Home Mission Society, expanding their work through Christian centers serving crowded urban and industrial communities.

  • A sepia-toned portrait of a man with short hair, wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a dark suit.

    [1928]

    Hispanic Ministry Pioneer

    Santiago Soto-Fontánez becomes an American Baptist home missionary. Born in Puerto Rico and influenced by American Baptist missionaries, he later leads churches in Puerto Rico and New York City, where a Brooklyn storefront mission grows to 400 members.

  • A black-and-white photo of an elderly Asian woman with a serious expression, standing outdoors in front of a house with a sloped roof and a rocking chair.

    [1942]

    Ministry During Internment

    American Baptists minister to Japanese Americans unjustly imprisoned in internment camps during World War II. Missionaries provide spiritual care and practical support while advocating for educational and employment releases.

  • Profile of an elderly woman with glasses smiling outdoors under a cloudy sky.

    [1948]

    First Native American Woman Missionary

    Ioleta Hunt McElhaney becomes the first Native American woman to receive full missionary appointment. A Kiowa woman and Keuka College graduate, she serves churches and missions in Oklahoma.

  • Seal of the North American Mission Board, featuring a globe, a cross, and the text 'North American Mission Society, American Baptist Home Mission Society, Christ in Every Home'

    [1955]

    Mission Agencies Unite

    The American Baptist Home Mission Society and the Woman’s American Baptist Home Mission Society combine boards, staff and mission programs, expanding ministry focused on racial justice, youth protection, hospitality and refugee resettlement.

  • A portrait of an older man with short, light-colored hair, wearing a dark jacket, looking at the camera in a neutral expression.

    [1956]

    Jitsuo Morikawa’s Evangelistic Vision

    Jitsuo Morikawa is appointed director of evangelism. Interned during World War II at the Poston Relocation Center, he emerges with a conviction that not only individuals but institutions must be transformed by the gospel.

  • Close-up of an open book with pages curved upward.

    [1960s]

    Expanding Spanish-Language Resources

    Santiago Soto-Fontánez develops essential Spanish-language ministry resources while serving as director of Spanish Work for the Baptist City Society of New York.

  • Sunset over Washington, D.C. with the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol building in view.

    [1969]

    Public Witness in Washington

    The Office of Governmental Relations opens in Washington, D.C., encouraging American Baptists to engage public policy as Christian witness, addressing issues including poverty, hunger, housing, health care and human rights.

  • Map of North America with a green background and blue surrounding ocean.

    [1972]

    Becoming National Ministries

    Following denominational restructuring, the organization begins operating as National Ministries. Mission work in Latin America—except Puerto Rico—is transferred to International Ministries.

  • Scene of destruction with charred debris, burnt wood, and smoke.

    [2001]

    A “Shalom Response” to 9/11

    National Ministries responds to the September 11 attacks with ministry in New York City and Washington, D.C. More than $1.6 million in relief funds are distributed as pastors, chaplains and volunteers serve those affected by the tragedy.

  • Logo of the American Baptist Board of Education and Publicity, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, featuring an open Bible with a candle on top.

    [2003]

    Educational Ministries Joins

    National Ministries absorbs Educational Ministries, bringing discipleship, education and publishing—including Judson Press—under one umbrella. The merger reconnects ministries with roots in the Baptist General Tract Society.

  • A person peeking through a small opening in a wooden structure.

    [2005]

    Disaster Response in the Gulf Coast

    Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, National Ministries responds to the ecumenical call for disaster relief. Over the next decade, more than 5,000 volunteers serve in the Gulf Coast, including annual rebuilding work in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward.

  • A sign for the American Taping, Finishing, and Onsite Association with the organization's logo, placed on an easel. In the background, two men are seated at a table with a floral arrangement.

    [2010]

    Reclaiming the ABHMS Name

    National Ministries reclaims its historic identity as American Baptist Home Mission Societies. Staff gather in New York City to celebrate the organization’s roots near the site where the original society was founded in 1832.

  • Logo for Space for Grace, featuring text and a stylized design element.

    [2015]

    Space for Grace Begins

    As issues of race, religion, culture and class increasingly divide communities and spark violence, ABHMS debuts Space for Grace, a national gathering that engages people of diverse faith traditions through healing conversations, artistic expression and quiet reflection. The inaugural event also marks the retirement of Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III and welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Haggray.

  • Group of diverse people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with a man in a pink shirt handing an award or certificate to a man in a suit.

    [2018]

    A New Mission Center and Space for Grace

    ABHMS relocates with American Baptist Extension Corporation and American Baptist Women’s Ministries to a renovated building in King of Prussia, Pa. The Leadership and Mission Building becomes a hub for collaboration and ministry. That same year, Space for Grace is held in Philadelphia, continuing the national gathering for spiritual caregivers and faith leaders.

  • A dark blue flag with a light blue Christian cross symbol on the right side, with stylized motion lines.

    [2021]

    Center for Continuous Learning Launches

    ABHMS launches the Center for Continuous Learning, expanding its historic commitment to leadership development and discipleship through digital and in-person education. Led by founding director Rev. Rebecca Irwin-Diehl, PhD, the center introduces an online learning platform and dedicates the Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III Learning Center in King of Prussia.

  • A digital logo of a navy blue background with a stylized cross with three flowing lines, representing faith and spirituality.

    [2022]

    Space for Grace Returns and Expands

    After a pandemic hiatus, ABHMS revives its national gathering for ministry leaders. Held in Kansas City, Missouri, the event expands into the Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference, welcoming chaplains, pastors, and other spiritual caregivers seeking renewal, reflection, and community in ministry.

  • The Christian flag with a blue field, white cross, and a dove in flight beside it.

    [2024]

    Space for Grace and Judson Press Bicentennial

    ABHMS hosts the Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, gathering ministry leaders for reflection, guided learning, and spiritual renewal. The year also marks the 200th anniversary of Judson Press, founded in 1824 as the Baptist General Tract Society and now the publishing ministry of ABHMS.

Nearly two centuries of mission and ministry

For nearly two centuries, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has helped American Baptists respond to the spiritual and social needs of communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

From frontier missionaries in the 1800s to modern ministries focused on leadership development, justice advocacy, and community transformation, ABHMS has continuously adapted to the changing environments in which American Baptists live and serve.

ABHMS traces its origins to multiple American Baptist mission societies established during the 19th century to spread the gospel, plant churches, and serve communities across a growing nation.