British Online Archives

The United Society Partners in Gospel (USPG) is a UK-based Anglican missionary organisation that operates around the world. During the 18^th, 19^th, and early-20^th centuries, the USPG went by the name of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG). This collection covers the period 1701-1870 and contains the organisation’s founding documents, in-house journal, annual sermons, and reports. These documents provide a fascinating insight into the relationship between colonisers and the colonised.

That they demean themselves not only inoffensively and prudently; but so as to become remarkable Examples of Piety and Virtue to the Ship's Company

Instructions for the clergy employ'd by the Society, Instructions for the clergy employ'd by the Society; img 1

Key Documents

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Insights

These records reveal who the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel were and how they reported the results of their work. The SPG, later the USPG, would run missionary schools throughout the British Empire.

The journal of the Society is a series of minute books. The level of detail in the minutes increased over the years as the Society itself grew. By the 1730's the minutes contained detailed descriptions of colonies.

Each of these sermons was preached at the Annual General Meeting of the Society, by a senior member of the church. This enables the reader to compare how sermon styles changed over 150 years.

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