At the Baptist State Convention annual meeting in November 1841, Rev. James H. DeVotie proposed a gift of land to the Convention for the establishment of a male college in Marion, Alabama (now Samford University in Birmingham). The proposal was adopted and Howard College was incorporated by Act No. 65 of the Alabama Legislature in the same year.

DeVotie single-handedly obtained the funds for the land. A year later, he was responsible for raising $20,000 to establish a chair of theology for Howard College.

Over 165 years later, Samford University remains indebted to founding father James H. DeVotie for his passionate support. Similarly, the University is indebted to those who are members of this Society.