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 Although a charter was procured in 1846, the orphan school did not open until Oct. 3, 1849.  Fourteen pupils were present at the formal opening.  Pinkerton remarked on the occasion:  “Let the universal church remember one of the parting sayings of her dear Redeemer to His disciples, ‘[T]he poor ye have always with you.’ He then gathered the unfortunates in His arms and laid them upon the bosom of His church.  How shall we answer to Him in the day of eternity if this sacred charge should remain neglected?” (pp. 37-38).

"Joining" church, then, was much like joining a civic club or fraternity.

The Benevolent Empire A complete structure of church and parachurch organizations made up what came to be called the Benevolent Empire. The Benevolent was merely an interlocking series of missionary and supporting organizations devoted to Christianizing America and the world. The Benevolent Empire grew out of early American revivalism. Revivalism stimulated church growth, particularly in America's mainline denominations and with this growth came two important concepts which in turn emphasized outreach.

Early American parachurch organizations had much in common. All of them are openly Christian. All of them are voluntary. Many had no ties to any single religious group; most were inter-denominational demonstrating that in spite of practical and theological differences, cooperation took place. It is significant, however, that laymen rather than the clergy directed most of these societies or organizations.