Finney, Charles G., 1792-1875

Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875), revivalist, educator, and second President of Oberlin College (1851-65), abandoned the practice of law after a dramatic religious conversion and, following ordination in the Presbyterian Church, launched a decade of extraordinarily successful revivals in New York state (1824-33). He left the Presbyterian Church in 1836 and identified himself as a Congregationalist from then on. Finney's brand of theological perfectionism helped to make Oberlin College famous after Finney arrived in 1835 to establish its theological department and take up the pastorate at the First Congregational Church in Oberlin (1835- 72). Finney died in Oberlin in 1875.

From the description of Papers, 1817-1875. (Oberlin College Library). WorldCat record id: 25029702

Charles Grandison Finney (1792-1875); noted evangelist, temperance advocate and preacher. In 1837 he moved to Oberlin, serving the college as professor, president (1851-66), founder and editor of the Oberlin Evangelist and editor of the Oberlin Quarterly Review. He published several volumes of sermons and lectures, in addition to many articles in various journals.

From the description of Papers, ca. 1870. (Presbyterian Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 48272809

Famous evangelist of the Second Great Awakening and second president of Oberlin College (1851-1866).

Born in Warren, CT, and raised in Clinton and Henderson, NY, Finney was educated at the Hamilton Oneida Institute. He taught from 1812 to 1816 and studied privately. In 1816, he began reading law in the office of Judge Benjamin Wright in Adams, NY, and was admitted to practice in 1818. In 1821, he was converted to Christianity and was subsequently licensed to preach by the St. Lawrence Presbytery in 1823. He conducted highly successful revivals throughout upstate New York, in New York City, and in England. From 1835-1872, he was pastor of the First Congregational Church of Oberlin. Finney served Oberlin College as professor of theology and mental and moral philosophy (1835-1875), as a member of the board of trustees (1846-1866), and as president (1851-1866).

He was married three times: Lydia Andrews (b. 1804, m. 1824, d. 1847); Elizabeth Ford Atkinson (b. 1801, m. 1848, d. 1863); and Rebecca Allen Rayl (b. 1824, m. 1865, d. 1907).

From the description of [Papers] 1817-1875. (Oberlin College Library). WorldCat record id: 20347580