Liberia Conference Blue Book

Liberia Conference Blue Book (Methodist Episcopal Church, 1916) This administrative publication documents the Methodist Episcopal Church's missionary work in Liberia, issued from Monrovia by the College of West Africa Press in January 1916. The "Blue Book" provides historical accounts, statistical reports, and financial summaries spanning the Church's African operations. The text traces Methodist history in Liberia from Melville B. Cox's arrival in 1853 through 1915, recording the succession of presiding bishops and detailing a "forward movement" initiated in 1905 emphasizing evangelism and self-help. Major accomplishments include: thirty new church buildings erected (valued at $37,820), thirteen buildings repaired/remodeled ($39,650), and property acquisitions including the Leonard Mission and Stokes Training School ($10,300 combined cost). Church membership grew from 2,020 (1905) to 10,959 (1915). The document emphasizes a significant revival movement among indigenous populations across Maryland, Sinoe, and Bassa counties, with particular success in the Krootown native community near Monrovia, where membership reached over 600 and school enrollment exceeded 300. Total conference property value increased to $204,057 with minimal indebtedness of approximately $1,300.