Abstract
With the founding of Wilberforce University and Ashmun Institute, now Lincoln University, Black theological education in institutional form appeared upon the American scene with great significance. For prior to this time, efforts at the general and theological education of slaves and “free Negroes” were fragmented and whimsical, dependent upon the goodwill of a particular slaveholder or an advocate of abolition. With the founding of these schools, seminaries and departments of religion were included in the curriculum of practically every Black college in America. Indeed, these schools were established for the catechetical training of Black religious leaders.