Adoniram Judson Gordon, 1836-1895

[Mentioned in No and Yes, pp. 29, 41]

Religion played an important role in Adoniram Gordon's home in New Hampshire. At sixteen he announced his desire to enter the ministry and accordingly was sent to a denominational school in preparation for Brown University. He received special training at the theological school in Newton, Massachusetts. Just before his graduation he accepted a call to the Baptist society in nearby Jamaica Plain. During the six years of his pastorate there, he won the hearts of his congregation, even though he did not hesitate to speak in behalf of the Union and freedom.

His call to the large Clarendon Street Church in Boston was an unsought honor, and he waited two years before accepting it. It was an exclusive church; in fact, one of its deacons had reproved a member for including the words "Strangers Welcome" on some circulars for public distribution. Dr. Gordon deepened the spiritual life of the church and instituted many reforms. Instead of a select choir, he organized congregational singing and edited for it the "Service of Song." He abolished pew rentals and church sales for raising money for missions and charities. He also opened the church for the overflow Moody and Sankey revival meetings, and several reformed men joined the church. Seeing the need of a refuge for these converted men, Dr. Gordon started the Industrial Temporary Home, and all his life he gave it his time and prayers.

Dr. Gordon launched a monthly magazine devoted to spiritual things. He labored for missions in the Congo and China and was co-editor of the leading American missionary review. He was interested in the future of Israel. He worked with young people at the Northfield summer conferences and in the winter did religious work with the students at Princeton. Summers he also preached in small churches in New Hampshire, encouraging them to continue their services.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Signs of the Times
July 14, 1956
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit