Gujarat Tract and book society is founded by Rev. Dr. James Glasgow in the year 1852. Dr. James Glasgow was born in 27th May 1805 in Ireland. He took his primary education in Bilimay Primary School and later studied in the school of Rev. John Paul. He Entered Royal Belfast Academy to Study Religion and became the first ranker. Later in 1832 He graduated with Natural Philosophy and Mathematics and was awarded Gold medal for scoring highest marks. Being Religious and Scholar, He also served as Pastor in many congregations in Ireland.

In 1840, Irish Presbyterian Church sent Rev. Dr. James Glasgow to India as a missionary to spread the Gospel and build the Church. The Presbyterian Church had vision “To Pray earnestly day and night, Donate funds and Make effort to build the Church of Lord Jesus Christ in Whole World”. Upon this vision the seeds of Gujarat Tract and Book Society were planted.

After Coming to India, Rev Glasgow started His Mission Field in Gujarat and used to spread the Gospel through Tracts and Literature. Rev. Glasgow used to believe that “Written Material” was more effective than “Personal Witnessing” as written material could be stored for a long, can be kept in pocket, can be read at any time and could be given to many other people. Hence He focused on Tract and Literature distribution. Due to the need of writing and printing tracts and literature, the London Missionary Society and by the help of some friends in Mumbai, I.P.Mission gave the responsibility of establishing Gujarat TRACT AND BOOK SOCIETY to Rev. James Glasgow. As a result Gujarat Tract and Book Society came into existence in 1852 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James Glasgow.

Ever since the Establishment of Gujarat Tract and Book Society, It has played the leading role in printing and publications of Tracts and Literature in Gujarat. In the very 1st year of its establishment, the society printed 34,500 copies of 14 tracts and latter every year 70,000 copies were being printed which showed the growing influence of the Society. The 1st Gujarat book “Christian Behavior” written by Dr. James Glasgow was published and printed by GTBS. After that many books written by Rev. J.V.S Taylor, Rev. T.L. Welsh, Rev. G.P. Taylor, Rev. Dr. H.R.Scott and others has been printed by GTBS in Gujarati language. Apart from that many Gujarati writers like Rev. Dr. Jayanand Chauhan, Rev. Thomabhai Pathabhai, Rev. C.M. Justin and others also contributed in literature by writing books and tract. Amidst all Rev. Dr. Jayanand Chauhan led the society after Independence and contributed effectively by giving leadership, direction and writing books.

GTBS has played a vital role in production of Gujarati literature like books, tracts, Upper Room, Khristi Bandhu etc, which has helped Individuals and churches to grow in faith and spreading of the Gospel in our State of Gujarat.