Thomas Bray in 1698 founded the UK based Christian Charity *Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge ( SPCK) and in 1701 the separate Society for the Propagation of the Gospel(SPG).
After graduation and ordination he* became a curate at Bridgnorth and then chaplain for Sir. Thomas Price at Lea Marstone. Thomas’s library drew the attention of John Kettlewell, the vicar at Coleshill, who pointed out to him that the poverty of country parsons kept then from owning and reading theological books, which could lead to ignorance and hopelessness and affect their ministry.
As a result Thomas wrote and published the first volume of* Catechetical Lectures*
The book sold well and drew the attention of Henry Compton, the Bishop of London, who had been impressed by his diligence and library ideas. Thomas as a result was sent to the colony of Maryland, USA to represent him.
Maryland wanted an experienced, unexceptionable priest to supervise them. Thomas knew that the clergy willing to accept positions overseas were often among the poorest and unable to bring or obtain religious books, so he conditioned his acceptance upon having funds to supply the parishes with books.
In 1699 he sailed to Maryland having started his library work in seaport libraries at Gravesend, Deal and Plymouth on his outward journey.
He envisioned a library for each parish in the USA.
During his lifetime 39 were established in the Colonies, over 80 were established in England and Wales.
His efforts would eventually lead in the founding of nearly 100 libraries in the USA and over 200 in England.
In 1706 he became rector of St.Botolph’s, Aldgate where he spent the final decades of his life serving that parish and engaging in other philanthropic and literary activities.
*To obtain books for these libraries, requests are to made to the learned author now living, yo give copies of their books, and to others, especially merchants to the foreign plantations, to give money, of all of which there shall be a full amount published, * Steiner 1896 pp59-75
Source
Wikipedia
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