The Church Scholarship Society was formed in 1827 out of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut at the request of Bishop Brownell. The Society’s purpose at the time was to help young male members of the Episcopal Church in attaining a college education at Washington College, which later became Trinity College. Candidates for financial assistance had to be in good standing at the College and had to submit a testimonial proving upright moral and religious character, signed by a clergy member of the Episcopal Church. Though it was implied that beneficiaries of the Society’s funds would become candidates for Holy Orders, a pledge from applicants to enter the ministry was not a strict requirement.

By 1835, the Society already had assisted 30 students by paying half of their tuition ($16.50), with 12 beneficiaries receiving aid that year. In addition, applicants, if selected as beneficiaries, were allowed to borrow up to $80 per year, to be repaid without interest within three years after graduation. Funds for Society scholarships were donated by parishes within the diocese. Initially, aid was restricted to students at Washington College, but later expanded to include students from other schools.

The Church Scholarship Society is still in existence, providing financial assistance to those entering the ordination process.

The History of Trinity College (1967) by Glenn Weaver.

The Story of the Diocese of Connecticut, by Nelson R. Burr, PhD, 1962.

Catalogue of Washington College (Officers and Students, Course of Study), 1834-1835 (1835).