Abstract
With the founding of Wilberforce University and Ashmun Institute, now Lincoln University, Black theological education in institutional form sprang upon the American scene with great significance. 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 exponent of abolition. Since 1854 and the founding of these schools, seminaries and departments of religion were part of the total offerings of practically every college in America. Indeed, it was for the catechetical training of Black religious leaders that they were founded.