Administration Returns to NBA

In 1933, the responsibility for raising funds and administering the 13 benevolent institutions was returned to NBA, severing the connection with UCMS. “The history of the NBA, the UCMS, and the Division of Benevolence of the UCMS from 1920 to 1933 is an important story, not only for understanding the next 50 years of NBA development, but also for a balanced interpretation of the national life of the whole Disciples movement…Dissolution of the union was inevitable; in fact, it is amazing that it was so long in coming.”

Factors leading to the dissolution included: timing, after World War I and amidst the financial crisis of the Great Depression; the funding structure related to special appropriations and local fundraising; and the perceived competition between “the cry of the orphan” and “the cause of mission, especially foreign missions, against all.” (Inasmuch, p76-79.)

Read subsequent pages of Inasmuch to learn more about the challenging journey of UCMS during this time.