The Eclectic Society was instituted in 1783 by London Clergy. They met fortnightly (every other week) "for mutual religious intercourse and improvement, and for the investigation of religious truth." They also founded the Church Missionary Society (initially called The Society for Missions to Africa and the East).
Meeting places:
- Initially, Castle and Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street, first floor room.
- St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row in the chapel room.
The Eclectic Society members and visitors:
- Abdy, W. J. – Curate of St. John's, Horsely-down.
- Atkinson, M. – Leeds.
- Bacon, John – A celebrated sculptor.
- Bates, Eli Esq.
- Budd, H. – Bridewell Hospital.
- Cecil, Richard – St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row. Wrote "Remains."
- Clayton, John – Independent minister.
- Crowther, S. – Christ Church Newgate.
- Davies, John –
- Dykes, T. - Hull.
- Edwards, E. – Lynn
- Farish, Professor – Cambridge.
- Feardon, Dr. – Vicar of Ore.
- Foster, Henry – Rector of Clerkenwell. A plain styled preacher.
- Fry, T. –
- Gambier – Rector of St. Mary le Strand.
- Gilbee, Dr. – a visitor.
- Gilbert, J. – a visitor
- Gilby, Dr. –
- Godfrey, H. – aft. Pres. of Queen's Cam.
- Goode, J. – brother of W. Goode. Independent minister.
- Goode, W. – Rect. St. Ann's Blackfriars. Author of "Divine Rule of Faith and Patience."
- Grant, Charles Esq. –
- Johnson, Mr. – Chap N. S. Wales.
- Jowett, H. – Little Dunham.
- Lloyd, R. - Rector of St. Dunstan's.
- Marsden, S., Chap. N. S. Wales.
- Martyn, Henry –
- Mayor, Mr. – Collingham.
- Newton, John – Hymnist and Curate at Olney and Rector at St. Mary Woolnoth.
- Patrick, George – Lecturer at St. Bride's.
- Pratt, Josiah– Assistant Minister St. John's Chapel, Bedford Row. Secretary of the Church Missionary Society.
- Prichett, C. R. –
- Ring, Mr. –
- Robinson, T. – R. St. Mary's, Leicester.
- Scott, Thomas – Chaplain of Lock Hospital. Co-founder of the CMS. Wrote a notable Bible commentary.
- Shaw, Mr. –
- Shepherd, Mr. – Clerkenwell.
- Simeon, Charles – Cambridge.
- Simons – Paul's Cray.
- Stewart, H., Percy Chapel.
- Stillingfleet, J. - Hotham.
- Storry, J. – Colchester.
- Vansittart, Mr. – a visitor.
- Venn, John – Rector at Clapham.
- Watkins, H. G. – Rector St. Swithin's.
- Wilson, D. – St. John's, Bedford Row
- Woodd, Basil – Minister at Bentinck Chapel, Pentonville.