Charles Grandison Finney (1792–1875)

Born in Warren, Connecticut in 1792, Charles Grandison Finney was a Christian revivalist preacher who played an influential role in the Second Great Awakening. But, Finney's draw to preaching did not occur until the early to mid 1820s. Before the 1820s, Finney sailed, rode horses, shot, and read, especially Shakespeare. Around 1812, he listened to Reverend Peter Starr's preachings, but no spark was made between Finney and religion. Six years later and in the span of three years, while he was studying law Finney often found himself engrossed with the Bible's teachings. In 1824, he earned his preaching license. 

A revivalist preacher's sermons stirred up great emotion from the congregation and was controversial during the 1820s amongst more traditionally conservative preachers. Finney used the revivalist method despite the backlash from traditional conservative relgious leaders, which brought him more listeners, and success in the 1830s. His actions among other revivalist preachers ushered in the Second Great Awakening.

To learn more about Charles Grandison Finney visit: https://connecticuthistory.org/charles-grandison-finney-spreads-revivali...

http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Charles_Finney

http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/people/charles-finney.html

Public Domain

"Rev. Charles G. Finney." ca.1835. Drawing. New York Public Library Digital Collections, The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Print Collection. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-a74d-a3d9-e040-e00a180... ( Accessed January 4, 2019).