Elias Boudinot

Elias Boudinot (1740-1821), a leading patriot and framer of an independent American republic, was a pious Presbyterian layman.  As President of the United States in Congress Assembled (1782-1783), a mentor of Alexander Hamilton and a leading Federalist and as the Director of the U.S. Mint, he stood tall in his contributions as a founding father.

He defined himself not in terms of temporal leadership, but rather sought to be an instrument of God's plan for the salvation of humankind.  Boudinot can only be fully understood in light of his fervent belief that the American destiny was to unite all good and faithful Christians for the "evangelization of all the poor, the destitute and the dispossessed of the world."

Ultimately interested in education and the Church, Boudinot was one of the founders of the Princeton Theological Seminary.  As a prime organizer of the American Bible Society, he became its first president.  In 1799, he became the first president of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, now the Presbyterian Foundation.

In his last will and testament, Elias Boudinot left the bulk of his estate with the purpose of benefiting less fortunate people and organizations.

Boudinot's will also established a permanent endowment fund with the Foundation to provide books for ministers.  For nearly 200 years, and to this day, the Foundation holds this fund and makes distributions in accordance with his wishes.  His legacy and gift will live forever.  Yours can too.

Become a member of the Boudinot Covenant Society.