Mrs. Clementina Butler (and husband Rev. William Butler)

Stained Glass Window at the School of Theology Library.

Dr. William Butler (1818-1899) planted the seed for the creation of a missionary society on 14 March 1869 at the Tremont Street Methodist Episcopal Church, pleading for further support of men and women missionaries in the India mission field. In attendance that day was Mr. and Mrs. Flanders, Mrs. Lois Parker, and Mrs. Clementina Butler (1820-1913), wife of the preacher. In the parsonage, the women decided to begin the work of supporting female missionaries in India. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society first met on 23 March 1869. Clementina Butler served as an officer and recruiter for the organization, criss-crossing northeast raising funds for the society. She established the Zenana Paper fund that published Christian women's literature in five vernaculars.

A full biography of the exploits of the Butlers, "probably the best-known Methodist missionary couple in the late nineteenth century" can be found on the History of Missiology site. This site, a joint digital project between the School of Theology Library and the Center for Global Christianity and Mission, includes an excellent bibliography for further reading. The couple established a Methodist mission in India (beginning in 1856) and in Mexico (beginning 1873). The couple's daughter, Miss Clementina Butler (born in India), has a window of her own that's on display next to her parents at the School of Theology Library.

Rev. Butler was a faculty member for several years at the School of Theology. The School of Theology Archives contains original manuscripts written by Rev. Butler to members of the New England Conference from India and Mexico. View the records for these manuscripts and request access through the STH Library Archives.