225 years together

225 years together

There have been many mission milestones since 1799 and none would have been possible without faithful supporters.

On 12 April 2024, CMS marked its 225th birthday. Here are some snapshots of 225 years together.

12 April 1799

Silver engraved teapot bequeathed to the Eclectic Society by one of its members, John Bacon RA

Firm foundation

CMS was founded by members of the Eclectic Society as The Society for Missions to Africa and the East.

The Eclectic Society gathered around a teapot as they discussed starting a mission society.

1801

The Society had over 100 subscribers in its first full year.

Those giving one guinea per year to support the work were members, and were also encouraged to pray for the Society.

1804

The first missionaries

In 1804 the first CMS missionaries, German Lutherans Melchior Renner and Peter Hartwig, were sent to Sierra Leone.

Members and supporting clergy were encouraged to take collections for mission at churches, “exciting a spirit of prayer” alongside giving. Collections were often taken following a sermon preached for the occasion.

1805

First gift in will

The Society received legacy bequests for the first time.

1811

Malta

Mission work begins

1813

India

Mission work begins

1814

Aotearoa / New Zealand

Mission work begins

1818

Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Mission work begins

1819

Creative collecting boxes used through the centuries

By 1819 there were more than 170 local CMS associations in Britain.

Local associations were formed to support the work of CMS through prayer and fundraising – including through a “penny a week” subscription scheme.

By 1819, CMS publications to share stories and information from missionaries had become an important part of encouraging those supporting mission.

1820

Two single ladies

The first single women, Mary Bouffler and Hannah Johnson, began mission service, both in Sierra Leone. They were the first women to be listed in the own right as missionaries. Mary would only survive five months in post.

1822

Canada

Mission work begins

1826

Egypt; West Indies

Mission work begins

1830

Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

Mission work begins

1837

South Africa

Mission work begins

1844

South American start

The Patagonian Missionary Society (later SAMS) had its first meeting, led by Captain Allen Gardiner.

Mission work begins in what is now Nigeria and Kenya.

And the first CMS missionaries go to China.

1849

Palestine

Mission work begins

1851

Line drawing of Allen Gardiner

Gardiner leaves living legacy

Allen Gardiner died on a beach in Tuerra del Fuego but mission work grew in his memory.

1869

Persia (Iran)

Mission work begins

1875

Japan

Mission work begins

1877

Uganda

Mission work begins

1878

Tanganyika (Tanzania)

Mission work begins

1899

“Canon Christopher’s Missionary Breakfast” at Oxford Town Hall was among the centenary celebrations

100 years together

By 1899 CMS had sent out 1,556 men and 550 women in their own right.

Centenary celebrations recorded in The Gleaner included reflections on the importance of the “patient labour” behind the scenes from volunteers and office staff to make mission possible. Churches also planned special collections and fundraising activities.

Mission work also began in Sudan in this year.

1911

Chaco mission

SAMS began work in the Argentine Chaco among indigenous peoples – work that continues today.

1916

CMS Australia and New Zealand CMS

Two new autonomous CMSes were founded

1926

Ruanda Mission

A new mission founded under the umbrella of CMS to work in SW Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. It later becomes Mid-Africa Ministry and fully integrates with CMS in 2002.

1951

Malaya (Malaysia)

Mission work begins

1954

Foundation of United Mission to Nepal

1999

200 years together

As part of the bicentenary celebrations, CMS staff and volunteers undertook a sponsored walk from Oxford to Cambridge with a camel!

2008

CMS-Africa

African-led independent CMS launched in Kenya

2010

SAMS integration. Training innovation.

CMS and SAMS came together into one organisation.

Pioneer Mission Training launched at CMS – since then, almost 1,000 students have been equipped for mission at the edges in the UK and more recently around the world through online training.

2012

Asia-CMS

In Malaysia, another sister CMS is born.

2020

Pandemic: no panic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS supporters gave over £170,000 to an appeal to ensure people in mission could continue their work – and former mission partner and staff member Canon John Harwood (above) went on 94 walks for his 94 years, raising more than £15,000.

2021

222 with you

Staff and supporters took on sponsored challenges themed around 222 years of CMS – from painting railings to staff exceeding their aim of a cumulative 222 miles on a sponsored walk.

2023

smiling redheaded woman in Rotherham church

Jesus never gives up. Neither should we.

Last year, thousands of people were part of the mission journey through giving to CMS. They supported over 200 people in mission in more than 50 countries.

2024

montage of international faces of CMS

Thank you

Thank you for being part of our mission journey.

Come with us into the next chapter of our mission story by giving today.

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