FRIENDS OF SERAMPORE

The UK support group for one of the greatest and most historic of India's Christian institutions, which still has a vital and unique role to play.

February 2008 - Latest newsletter now published - read it here...

For past extracts, check the "links" page

Serampore College was founded in 1818 by Carey, Marshman and Ward to give an education in Arts and Science to students of every 'caste, colour or country' and to train a ministry for the growing Church in India. From the beginning the College has been ecumenical, but this means that it has no automatic basis of support from any one branch of the Christian church.

 

Today, in a combination of subjects unique in India, over a hundred Theology students from a very wide range of denominations and a score of languages study alongside two and a half thousand in the Arts-Science-Commerce department, which is affiliated to Calcutta University.

 

Friends of Serampore provides a link for those who wish to support the College with their interest and prayers. Members receive a twice-yearly newsletter. For many years we have subscribed to a number of journals for the library. In the year 2000, the Principal challenged us to raise also at least £2000 per year to support fully one Theology member of staff – in both of the last two years we have passed that target by over £500, but the needs are great.

 
Membership is not expensive - click here for more information and to check rates.

In 1827 the King of Denmark presented a charter to the College, giving it University status. Serampore was then a Danish colony, but the status has been reaffirmed for the study of Theology to the present day.
This Charter now forms the basis for degrees of all levels conferred by over forty theological colleges throughout India, and is administered by the Senate.


Click for a higher quality image.
William Carey is widely regarded as 'the Father of Modern Missions'.
His sermon in 1792 contained the rallying call:
Expect great things from God,
Attempt great things for God
From 1800, Serampore was the centre of his work as translator of the Bible, linguist, social reformer, teacher and preacher of the Gospel.
The name of the College and its founders is honoured today, far more widely than within Christian circles only – the Carey Library at Serampore houses 16,000 rare volumes and is used by scholars internationally.

Contacts
Secretaries:
Edward and Rosemary Williams

Web maintenance:
Steve Bunning

 
A few more photos
Join Friends of Serampore - all the contact details and application form are here.

Highlights from the from the "Friends" newsletter.

Some Carey and Serampore links.

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