American Missionary, Vol. XXXIV., No. 5, May 1880

The American Missionary offers a vivid snapshot of a nationwide network devoted to spreading the Gospel among the poor. Its pages list the dedicated leaders—presidents, vice‑presidents, secretaries, and regional representatives—who guide the Association’s work from bustling New York offices to distant frontier towns. Readers are invited into the administrative heart of a movement that, in 1880, coordinated teachers, missionaries, and donors across dozens of states and even abroad.

This issue marks a quiet turning point: the long‑time editor, Rev. Geo. M. Boynton, steps down after years of shaping the magazine’s voice, and Rev. C. C. Painter steps in as his successor. Painter brings a Southern upbringing, Northern education, and recent experience as a theology professor at Fisk University. His scholarly background and fresh perspective promise to keep the publication’s informative spirit alive while honoring the legacy of its predecessor.