American Decades
Conwell, Russell H. 1843-1925
PREACHER
Outstanding Minister.
In the year before his death, the Christian Century named Russell H. Conwell one of the twenty-five outstanding preachers in the United States. His death ended a long and colorful life. After serving in the military in the Civil War and a successful career in law and as a public lecturer, Conwell turned to the ministry. In 1882 he became pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia, a floundering congregation with about ninety members. Within a decade the church had more than three thousand members and soon broke ground for a sanctuary with four thousand seats, making it one of the largest churches in America.
Promoting Growth.
The Baptist Temple of Philadelphia not only had an extensive Sunday program, but Conwell expanded its activities to provide for the secular needs of his parishioners and the surrounding community. In 1884 he began an informal "college" for the young...
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1920's Religion
