In Hebron, in the home of the Rev. Amos Bassett, the Missionary Society of Connecticut was organized on June 19, 1798, at a meeting of the General Association with the Rev. Benjamin Trumbull, D.D., as moderator. Believing that the happiness of rising generations and the order and stability of civil government depended upon the preaching of the gospel, it aimed to Christianize the heathen in North America and to support and promote Christian knowledge in new settlements within the United States. Within 40 years, the society sent over 200 missionaries to settlements in northern New England and the western territory, and more than 400 churches, several schools, and colleges were established. This work continues within the Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ.