When Jerry McAuley founded his rescue mission in October 1872, he gave birth to an idea and ministry that eventually spread around the world. From this humble but virile beginning came a number of missions with leaders who saw the need for an organization that would foster “fellowship [and] cooperation with all engaged or interested in gospel missions, and other rescue work throughout the United States and in other lands, in the mutual advancement of the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In 1906 church and mission leaders gathered in New York at the Christian Herald office, operated by The Bowery Mission, to establish the National Federation of Gospel Missions (NFGM).
On September 17, 1913, Mr. Sidney Whittemore filed incorporation papers for the International Union of Gospel Missions, in New York City. On October 14, 1913, the State of New York granted the rescue ministry leaders a certificate of incorporation for the organization that would eventually be called Citygate Network.