Charles Finney

Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875) was an American evangelist and educator. As a young man, he studied law and set up practice at Adams, New York. While reading Blackstone's Commentaries on Law, he noted continuous references to the Holy Scriptures quoting it as the highest authority. Finney was moved to buy a Bible, and he soon was reading it more than law. The Word of God brought deep conviction to his soul, and on October 10, 1821, out in the woods, he was converted to Christ. Finney used the apostolic practices of the New Testament and was soon filling the largest buildings available. His influence during this period was enough that he has been called The Father of Modern Revivalism. Finney was known for his innovations in preaching and religious meetings. After many years as a revival preaching pastor in New York City, he became president of Oberlin College, where he lectured until his death.