Indianapolis German Freethinker Society

Established in 1870 with the purpose of providing a forum through lectures, debates and publications for political and social issues. By the time it began to lose popularity during the 1880's, the society had established a non-sectarian Sunday School (1870) and an Industry School (1884).

From the description of [Freidenker Verein von Indianapolis records], 1870-1898. (Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis). WorldCat record id: 22341489

The Freethinkers were a religious rationalist organization that attacked Biblical infallibility and advocated the natural religion based on man's moral freedom. The movement was initiated during the era of the American Revolution. The Indianapolis group was either German immigrants or those of German ancestry whose ideas developed from the Revolution of 1848. The Indianapolis group met from 1870 to 1890. It ran a Sunday school, sponsored lectures on academic, social and religious topics, and offered social entertainment. Its stated purpose was "the active spreading of free ideas of religious, politiical and social nature, and to awaken the feeling of togetherness of all like-minded people."

From the description of Translation of Minutes, 1870-1890 (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 19771656