Colored Female Religious and Moral Society facts for kids

The Colored Female Religious and Moral Society was a special group for African American women. It started in 1818 in Salem, Massachusetts. About forty women came together to form this club. They even wrote their own rules, called a constitution, to guide their work.

Their constitution was shared in a newspaper called The Liberator, which was a very important paper that worked to end slavery. The women in the society promised to "be charitably watchful over each other." This meant they would look out for each other and help one another. Members also made a promise to keep the group's discussions private.

The society was mainly a religious group, but they also helped their members in practical ways. For example, they worked to provide money or support for members who were sick or whose families had experienced a death. This was a way to help people when they needed it most.

By 1833, the number of members had become smaller, but the society was brought back to life. Many of the women who joined were "Christian" and came from families who owned property, meaning they were quite well-off for their time.

What Was the Society's Purpose?

The Colored Female Religious and Moral Society had a few important goals.

• Helping Each Other: The main idea was for members to support each other. They promised to be kind and look out for one another, especially during tough times.
• Religious Focus: The group was based on Christian beliefs. They likely held meetings for prayer and moral discussions.
• Community Support: Beyond spiritual help, they offered practical benefits. This included financial aid for members who were ill or for families dealing with a death. This kind of support was very important in a time when there were no government safety nets like we have today.

Where and When Did It Start?

Salem, Massachusetts

The society began in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a historic city in the United States, known for many important events in American history. Starting a group like this in Salem showed the strong spirit of community among African American women there.

The Year 1818

The year 1818 was a long time ago, but it was a period when many social changes were happening in the United States. Even though slavery was still legal in many parts of the country, free African Americans were working hard to build their communities and support systems. The formation of this society was a part of that effort.

Who Were the Members?

The society was started by about forty African American women. These women were dedicated to their community and to helping others.

• Early Members: The first members were pioneers, creating a new kind of support network.
• Later Members: When the society was revived in 1833, many members were described as "Christian propertied elite." This means they were Christian women who came from families that owned land or other valuable things. Their resources likely helped the society continue its important work.