Charles Simeon was the leading evangelical of the Church of England in his time. His ministry was spent in Cambridge, but his influence was world-wide. He came from an influential family, his brother John, a lawyer, became an MP and received a baronetcy, while his brother Edward became was a director of the Bank of England.

Educated at Eton, he was athletic, but was teased for his religious seriousness, uncommon at the school. At Cambridge in 1779, while studying in preparation for holy communion, required as a condition of college entrance, he became aware of the redeeming love of God, and Jesus started transforming his life. He became a fellow of King’s College, Cambridge, in 1782, graduating B.A. in 1783 and was ordained. Through family influence he was appointed vicar to Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge.

By 1783 Simeon had found like-minded friends and established a reputation as a preacher, but he was not the choice of the parishioners, services were disrupted, and he was insulted in the streets. Patience, perseverance and personal commitment to Christ, along with his preaching of the gospel, overcame the hostility and prejudice. Simeon described his aim as “to humble the sinner, to exalt the Saviour, to promote holiness”. It was a new emphasis in preaching and aroused opposition in some quarters. He persisted, and by his clear sincerity and warm charity he won respect and acceptance. Simeon was to remain there for the rest of his life, eventually with a crowded church including many undergraduates.

If you knew what his authority and influence were, and how they extended from Cambridge to the most remote corners of England, you would allow that his real sway in the Church was far greater than that of any primate. Hugh Evan Hopkins, Charles Simeon of Cambridge (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1977), 118.

Simeon’s influence spread far afield and he quickly became the leader of the evangelical churchmen. He set up the Simeon Trust to exercise some control over appointments to some parishes. Simeon was one of the founders of the Church Missionary Society and a keen supporter of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Many of his pupils were influenced to give themselves for service overseas, as missionaries. He was an advisor to the East India Company in regards to clergy for chaplaincy work. He wrote a commentary on the Bible, 'Horae Homileticae', published in 1819-20, his sermons were also published, in 21 volumes.

It is as a man of prayer and a pastor that he is best remembered, his example inspired many to win others for Christ. Together with his friends, Simeon did much to change the ethos of the Church of England in the early 19th century, bringing a new zeal in devotion, a deep love of others, and an enhanced standard of clerical duties.

BORN:1759, Reading, England

DIED: 13 November 1836, Cambridge, England