Four catechisms by Isaac Watts, published by the American Tract Society and used in the Rainham Mennonite Church in latter 19th century Ontario.

American Tract Society, founded in New York City, 1825, a merger of some 50 local and sectarian societies, interdenominational and international in its work, for the purpose of publishing and circulating "whatever would best diffuse a knowledge of Christ as the Redeemer and promote the interests of true religion and sound morality." In 1841 it inaugurated a missionary colportage program. By the 1950s its emphasis has emphasized reaching foreign language groups among American immigrants. Its publications were once widely used in Mennonite Sunday schools in America, and found their way into many Mennonite homes in the United States and Canada, especially before the inauguration of denominational publishing programs. The Society remains active. It depends for support upon voluntary contributions from individuals and churches.

Additional Information

American Tract Society

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 88. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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