ABCFM stands for American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. It was a Christian missionary organization established in the early 19th century in the United States. The ABCFM was formed in 1810 in the midst of the Second Great Awakening, a Protestant religious revival movement. Its primary objective was to promote and support Christian missionary work abroad, particularly in remote or unreached areas.
The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was created by several Protestant denominations, including the Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Dutch Reformed Church. The organization was dedicated to spreading the gospel and establishing churches in non-Christian territories across the world. They aimed to convert individuals to Christianity and improve their quality of life by providing education, healthcare, and other humanitarian aid.
The ABCFM played a significant role in Victorian-era Christian missionary efforts, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. It established schools, hospitals, and churches, contributing to the development of education and healthcare systems in many regions. The organization also supported the translation of the Bible into local languages and worked to preserve and promote indigenous cultures.
Over time, the ABCFM underwent changes and eventually evolved into the United Church Board for World Ministries in the 20th century. Nonetheless, its legacy persists, and it is recognized as one of the pioneering organizations in the history of Christian missionary work.
