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 the Alabama Legislature in the same year.

A year later, DeVotie raised $20,000 to establish a chair of theology for Howard College.

Over 2 centuries years later, we remain indebted to founding father James H. DeVotie for his passionate support. Similarly, we are indebted to those who are members of this Society.