In the early nineteenth century, Williams College was the site of much excitement and activity associated with the Second Great Awakening. This religious movement was spurred on by the belief that every person could be saved through revivals, or evangelistic meetings, which sought to gain new converts.

Williams was not only the site of numerous revivals throughout the century, but was where the kernel for the creation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) was realized.

The diary in this collection belongs to Henry Fowler, a new student at the College, and documents events between 1838 and 1839. Entries describe his impressions and participation in religious gatherings and activities on campus, and provide insight into the legacy of the earlier revivals and fervor that led to the foundation of the ABCFM.

Those interested in learning more about the work and legacy of the ABCFM may be interested in consulting the Library’s extensive collection of published and unpublished materials related to the organization. Of particular note are the collections of personal papers from missionaries abroad. Originating from such distant places as South Africa and Japan, these collections contain sermons, letters, scrapbooks, diaries, and other personal material that may be of great interest to those interested in learning more about the experiences of ABCFM missionaries.