Missionary work abroad needed strong support from those at home. Andrew Fuller, who became the society’s first Secretary, was a tireless and wise leader in the UK, touring the country to promote the missionary cause. The original committee of five soon grew to include representatives from areas in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
And it was not long before the committee was able to send new recruits out to India to join William Carey. William Ward and Joshua Marshman and their families arrived in India in 1800 and settled in the Danish colony of Serampore just north of Kolkata. Along with Carey, they were often referred to as the Serampore Trio.
"a person peculiarly formed and fitted for so arduous an undertaking
The Committee, speaking of William Carey
"Ward is the very man we needed
William Carey
"Marshman is a prodigy of diligence and prudence. Learning the language is mere play to him.
William Carey
The early work in India developed in several areas: preaching and theological teaching; education and the founding of schools; translation and the printing of Bibles and leaflets; campaigning against injustices such as sati and infanticide; and agricultural development.