b'The History We CelebrateNotesAn Association with Deep RootsOne of the best summaries of the founding of the Association of GospelRescue Missions (AGRM)actually, the International Union of Gospel Missions(IUGM), as it was originally knownis found in the First Annual Report of theassociation, published and distributed at the second annual convention in1915, in Norfolk, Virginia. Here is how they described it back then.Rich and poorhave thisSo It Beginsin common: The Lord O n September 17th, 1913, the International Union of Gospel Missions(IUGM) was formed for the purpose of furthering the interests andis the Makerincreasing the effectiveness of gospel missions. In this, the rstreport of the work, it is the desire of the president and officers to acquaintof them all. the Christian public with the growth and importance of this organization.Proverbs 22:2 It is a well-established fact that unity means strength, and rescue work hasdeveloped to such an extent it seemed imperative for the rescue missionsto band together in such a way as to let the world know they are doingsomething worthwhile for the Master.A Friend of SinnersT he IUGM was conceived in the mind ofone of the most consecrated men of Godthat New York, or any other city, has everknown, Mr. Sidney Whittemore. It was he whogathered together a number of representativemission workers in September 1913, andunfolded to them his plans and ambition forsuch a union. His earnestness could not fail toimpress those he had gathered around him,and the result was the birth of the abovenamed organization with Mr. Whittemore as the chosen president.* Sidney WhittemoreGreat things were looked forward to under this good mans leadership,and it was not only a shock, but something far beyond our understanding,when, almost without warning, God took him unto Himself. It seemed asthough we could not spare himthere was so much for him to do, and hewas so eminently fitted for the work. But while God removes His workmen,He raises up others to take their places so that His work may continue to*From the founding of the IUGM until May 2009, president was the title given to the volun-teer who chaired the executive committee (later called the board), usually in addition torunning a mission. This person, who served as the spiritual and philosophical leader, was the face of the association. As the association became more complex (circa the 1980s and1990s) the executive director began to share, and then eventually take over, some of themajor leadership responsibilities.2'