ABSTRACT
The nineteenth century was an era of social reform, reform especially as reflected in religion and its impact upon all areas of American culture. As one who lived during that era, James W. C. Pennington reflected the immense influence of evangelical Protestantism, social reform, and the African-American community. The first half of the nineteenth century, which encompassed most of Pennington's life, was an era of social reform. The abolition movement represented a major avenue of social change which received the attention of Pennington as an evangelical Protestant. Pennington became a major advocate of effecting societal reform through abolition. For James W. C. Pennington, evangelical Protestantism, social reform, and the northern free African-American community formed the crucible out of which he worked for the improvement of himself, the black race, and humanity. As a converted Christian, his duty was to make the nation and the world more like Christ.
