Williams Christian Association (Williams College)

Religious societies, such as the Williams Christian Association, were a natural outgrowth of the revivalism that swept Williams College in the early 19th century. The Theological Society (1805-1849) focused on discussions and critiques of the Bible and other religious topics. The Society of Inquiry (1818-1833) specifically encouraged its members to engage in mission work; this Society was renamed the Mills Society of Inquiry (1833-1849) after the prominent missionary Samuel J. Mills (Williams Class of 1809). In 1849, the Theological Society and the Mills Society of Inquiry joined to form the Mills Theological Society (1849-1873), and joined also their interests in theological discourse and missions. The Mills Theological Society was renamed the Mills Young Men's Christian Association in 1873, broadening its constituencies to include faculty and alumni members and working on local projects and a program in China. In 1908, the Society was renamed the Williams Christian Association.