Father of American
Revivalism
Born
August 29, 1972 in Warren, Connecticut, Finney was the youngest of fifteen
children, the son of farmers, Finney never attended college, but his six-foot
three inch stature, piercing eyes, musical skill and leadership abilities
gained him recognition in his community. He studied as an apprentice to become
a lawyer, but after a dramatic conversion experience and baptism into the Holy
Spirit in Adams, New York, he gave up legal practice to preach the gospel.
Finney
was twice a widower and was married three times in his life. He had six
children, all by his first wife. Finney was most active as a revivalist. Charles
G. Finney is regarded as one of the greatest evangelist and theologian since
the days of the apostles. It is estimated that during the year 1857-58, over a
hundred thousand persons were led to Christ as the direct or indirect result of
Finney’s labour while five hundred thousand persons professed conversion to
Christ in the great revival which began in his meetings. Research also has it
that over eighty-five in every hundred persons professing conversion to Christ
in Finney’s meeting remained true to God. It is said that a Governor, New York,
not a dance or theatrical play could be held in the place for six years after
Finney held meetings there. Finney’s
