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When Jerry McAuley founded his rescue
mission in October, 1872, he gave birth
to an idea and a ministry that was to spread around the world. Out of this
humble but virile beginning came a number of missions that, through their
leaders, saw a need for an organization that would foster "fellowship,
cooperation with all engaged or interested in Gospel Missions, and other
rescue work throughout the United States and in other lands, in the mutual
advancement of the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The International Union of Gospel Missions was organized on September
17, 1913, in New York City. Mr. Sidney Whittemore is accredited as being
the father of the body. Thirty mission superintendents, (ten from New York
City) as charter members, properly and legally petitioned the State of
New York for a Certificate of Incorporation on October 9, 1913. The certificate
was recognized and granted by Mitchell May, Secretary of State for New
York, on October 14, 1913.
As the IUGM grew, it devised a system of convenience for closer and
more concentrated work among its members by establishing local branches
known as Districts. Today there are 12 districts. Each District must have
constitution and by-laws in harmony with the IUGM's standards, and a president
duly elected at a bona fide District election.
Note: The IUGM became the Association of Gospel
Rescue Missions in June, 2000.
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