Its History
The creation of the Journal of Christian Education (formerly the Journal of Religious Education)
was the outcome of the vision, faith and endeavors of Dr. Charles William Abington.
As editor-in-chief of Religious Literature, Dr. Abington brought to the Department of
Christian Education, new creative and productive ideas which were destined to expand and
strengthen the educational ministry of the Church.
How did the birth of this periodical come about?
Dr. Charles W. Abington laid his plan for a publication of the Christian Education
Department on the occasion of the Sesqui-Centennial Celebration of the founding of the AME
Church held in June 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee. His Advisory Committee, composed mainly of
staff writers for the Quarterlies, endorsed the plan enthusiastically. The first issue of
the Journal appeared in January 1938. Its original editorial staff consisted of Dr. Charles
W. Abington, editor-in-chief; Professor E. A. Selby, managing editor, and Dr. S. S. Morris,
associate editor. The original contributing editors were: Dr. Josephus R. Coan, Dr. Frederick D.
Jordan (later bishop), Dr. C. E. Mitchell, Mrs. Esther B. Isaacs, Mrs. E. M. Miller,
Mrs. LuSybil Taylor, Dr. James A. Valentine, Dr. V. C. Hodges, Dr. L. C. Ridley,
Brother Andrew White (later editor -in-chief), Dr. H. Thomas Primm (later bishop),
Dr. Charles C. Beckett and Mrs. Bertie DeLyles.
The Journal started as a monthly periodical dedicated to "Light, Freedom, Truth - Light to
see the Truth, Freedom to make it known." From its inception to the present time, the editions
of the Journal have supplied a steady stream of informative, stimulating and inspiring resource
materials that have promoted Christian education on the local church level and beyond.
From its beginning to the present time, the Journal has been spearheaded by five editors.
Dr. Charles W. Abington, the founder, served for eighteen years -- from 1938 to 1956. In so
doing, he steered the course of the periodical from its infant states to a highly respected
and widely read magazine. Dr. Andrew White, who labored side by side with Dr. Abington from
the birth of the periodical, and whose articles have greatly enriched its pages, took up
where his predecessor left off. He served as chief editor for twenty-four years - from 1956
to 1980. Dr. Edgar L. Mack, served from 1980 to 1991. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill served from 1991
to 2004. Since 2004, I have served as the fifth editor.
Thanks be to God for the faith, vision, initiative and labors of the chief editors of the
Journal of Christian Education.
The Journal is marking its 67th year of serving the educational needs of African Methodism.
Daryl B. Ingram
Editor-in-Chief
Christian Education Articles to Browse and Print
Subscribe to: The Journal of Christian Education for $25.00 per year
Make check payable to:
Journal of Christian Education
AMEC Christian Education Department
P.O. Box 331947
Nashville, TN 37203
