It was established in 1972 shortly after the death of the benefactor and film producer J. Arthur Rank, who had been an active methodist teaching at Sunday schools.
Many charities have been formed and supported within the pool of the Arthur Rank Centre, including
For many years, the Anglican, Methodist and URC National Rural officers were based within the charity.
Most recently, these posts ceased, aside from Rural Mission and Ministry Officer for the Methodist Church.
In 2023, this switched to an online offering known as Country Way news[10] and can be received free of charge..