HISTORICAL MEMORANDA 1866 August 7th, 8th. The Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church organized in Trinity Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. 1866 August 20th. Committee. First meeting of the Executive 1868 General Conference commended work of the Society to the Church. (1868-1872) In the latter part of this quadrennium aid was first given to white school work in the South by relieving the Seminary at Ellijay, Georgia, of embarrassing debt. 1870 November 1st. Society incorporated "for the relief and education of Freedmen and others, especially in cooperation with the Missionary and Church Extension Societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church." 1872 General Conference approved Act of Incorporation of the Society and constituted it one of the Benevolent Societies of the Church. Collections first reported in General Minutes and $100,000 apportioned to the Annual Conferences for the work. 1880 The specific approval of the white school work by the General Conference was followed by its steady extension. 1888 Name modified so as to read, "The Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education Society;" and educational work among both colored and white people in the Southern States placed under direction of this Society. 1892 Charter amended providing for a General Committee to represent the whole Church in managing the Society. 1900 General Conference appointed Commission to consider Benevolent Societies and make plan for consolidation. 1902 July 2d. Commission met at Ocean Grove, N. J., and recommended that the Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education Society be directed to obtain from the State of Ohio an amended Act of Incorporation under the corporate name of "The Board of Education, Freedmen's Aid, and Sunday Schools of the Methodist Episcopal Church.” 1904 Report of Commission adopted by General Conference. 1906 1907 December 31st. Charter amended as above. 1908 General Conference ordered reorganization of Consolidated Society. Committed work of establishing and maintaining Institutions among Negroes of the South to "The Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church." Maintenance and administration of white schools of the South to the "Board of Education of the Methodist Episcopal Church." 1908 July 9th. Final meeting of Consolidated Board. Organization of Board of Managers of the Freedmen's Aid Society. Amendment to Charter recommended. 1908 October 14th. Charter amended. 1916 General Committee discontinued by General Conference. 1916 Lincoln Sunday to be observed in all the churches, by order of General Conference. 1920 General Conference directed change of name to the Board of Education for Negroes, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. December 3, 1920, amended charter secured from the State of Ohio. Office of Board, 420 Plum Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. |