# Charles Spurgeon

> British preacher, author, pastor and evangelist (1834-1892)

**Wikidata**: [Q278825](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q278825)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Spurgeon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-spurgeon

## Summary
Charles Spurgeon (1834–1892) was a British preacher, author, pastor, and evangelist renowned for his influential sermons and leadership in the Reformed Baptist tradition. As pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, he became one of the most prominent Christian ministers of the 19th century, leaving a lasting legacy through his prolific writings and theological teachings.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, United Kingdom
- **Nationality**: British (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland)
- **Education**: No formal degrees listed; self-taught theologian and preacher
- **Known for**: Prodigious preaching, authorship of Christian literature, and founding Spurgeon’s College
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Metropolitan Tabernacle (London)
  - Spurgeon’s College (founder, 1856)
- **Field(s)**: Theology, preaching, evangelism, Christian ministry

## Contributions
- **Sermons and Publications**: Delivered over 3,500 sermons, many published in *The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit*, reaching global audiences.
- **Spurgeon’s College**: Founded in 1856 as a Baptist theological college in London, training future pastors and missionaries.
- **Literary Works**: Authored numerous books, including *Lectures to My Students* (1875) and *The Treasury of David* (commentary on Psalms).
- **Evangelistic Outreach**: Preached to crowds of thousands at venues like The Crystal Palace, expanding his influence beyond traditional church settings.
- **Hymnwriting**: Contributed to Christian hymnody, with works still used in worship today.

## FAQs
**Q: What denomination was Charles Spurgeon affiliated with?**
A: Spurgeon was a Reformed Baptist, adhering to Calvinist theology within the Baptist tradition.

**Q: Where did Spurgeon preach?**
A: He served as pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London and preached at large venues like The Crystal Palace.

**Q: What is Spurgeon’s College?**
A: Founded in 1856, it is a Baptist theological college in London that continues to train ministers and missionaries.

**Q: How many sermons did Spurgeon deliver?**
A: He preached over 3,500 sermons, many of which were published and distributed worldwide.

**Q: What are Spurgeon’s most famous works?**
A: Key works include *Lectures to My Students*, *The Treasury of David*, and his collected sermons in *The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit*.

## Why They Matter
Spurgeon’s preaching and writings shaped modern evangelical Christianity, emphasizing accessible yet theologically rigorous teachings. His leadership at the Metropolitan Tabernacle and founding of Spurgeon’s College institutionalized his influence, training generations of pastors. His sermons, widely published and translated, remain foundational in Christian literature, while his hymns and commentaries continue to inspire worship and study.

## Notable For
- **Prolific Preaching**: Delivered over 3,500 sermons, many published and globally distributed.
- **Founding Spurgeon’s College**: Established a lasting institution for theological education in 1856.
- **Literary Legacy**: Authored influential works like *Lectures to My Students* and *The Treasury of David*.
- **Mass Evangelism**: Preached to thousands at venues like The Crystal Palace, expanding his reach.
- **Hymnwriting**: Contributed enduring hymns to Christian worship.

## Body

### Early Life and Calling
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Raised in a Christian household, he experienced a conversion at age 15 and quickly developed a passion for preaching. Despite lacking formal theological training, his natural oratory skills and deep scriptural knowledge propelled him into ministry.

### Ministry and Leadership
Spurgeon became pastor of the New Park Street Chapel (later the Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London at age 19. His dynamic preaching style attracted large congregations, and under his leadership, the church grew into one of the largest in England. He also preached at major venues like The Crystal Palace, drawing crowds of thousands.

### Literary and Theological Contributions
Spurgeon was a prolific writer, producing over 140 books, including *Lectures to My Students* (1875), a guide for aspiring preachers, and *The Treasury of David*, a multi-volume commentary on the Psalms. His sermons were published weekly in *The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit*, reaching audiences worldwide.

### Educational Legacy
In 1856, Spurgeon founded Spurgeon’s College (originally the Pastors’ College) in London to train Baptist ministers. The institution remains active today, continuing his mission of theological education and pastoral training.

### Influence and Legacy
Spurgeon’s Reformed Baptist theology emphasized sovereign grace and evangelical fervor. His works remain widely read, and his sermons are studied for their clarity and doctrinal depth. His hymns, such as those in *Our Own Hymn Book* (1866), are still sung in churches. Spurgeon’s College and the Metropolitan Tabernacle stand as enduring testaments to his impact on Christian ministry.

### Later Years and Death
Spurgeon suffered from health issues, including gout and depression, in his later years. He died on January 31, 1892, in Menton, France, but his influence persisted through his writings and the institutions he established. His legacy endures in global evangelical circles, where he is remembered as the "Prince of Preachers."

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
4. FamilySearch
5. Library of the World's Best Literature
6. Find a Grave
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. CiNii Research
9. SNAC
10. Discogs
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. Ökumenisches Heiligenlexikon
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index15.html)
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File