Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge: Difference between revisions

The SPCK is the oldest [[Anglican]] [[Christian mission|mission]] organisation in the world, though it is now more ecumenical in outlook and publishes books for a wide range of Christian denominations. It is currently the third-oldest independent publisher{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} and the leading publisher of [[Christians|Christian]] books in the [[United Kingdom]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ipg.uk.com/independent-publishing-awards|title=IPG Independent Publishing Awards|access-date=24 August 2017}}</ref> and the third oldest independent publisher in the [[United Kingdom|UK]].

SPCK's early publications were distributed through a network of supporters who received books and tracts to sell or give away in their own localities. Large quantities of Christian literature were provided for the Navy, and the Society actively encouraged the formation of parish libraries, to help both clergy and laity. By the 19th century, members had organized local district committees, many of which established small book depots - which at one time numbered over four hundred. These were overseen by central committees such as the Committee of General Literature and Education. In 1875 the addresses of their "depositories" in London were given as [[Great Queen Street]], [[Lincoln Inn's Fields]], [[Royal Exchange, London|Royal Exchange]] and [[Piccadilly]],<ref name="BTAO" /> by 1899 they were at [[Northumberland Avenue]], W.C.; [[Charing Cross]], W.C. and 43 [[Queen Victoria Street, London|Queen Victoria Street]], E.C..<ref>"The Dawn of Day", 256th edition</ref> Six years later, in edition 331, the depository was closed at Charing Cross, but a new one added at 129, North Street in Brighton.