Washington Gladden in church sanctuary   Save
Washington Gladden Papers Photograph Series
Description: Dated 1906, this photograph shows Washington Gladden standing at an altar adorned with flowers and plants, probably that of the First Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio. To either side of him, "1836" and "1906" hang above. Washington was a prominent minister, local politician and social reformer in Ohio. In 1882, he became pastor of the First Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio. Under his leadership, this church's congregation grew from 558 members in 1885 to 1,214 members by 1914. Gladden was a firm believer in the social gospel. He believed that all Christians must dedicate themselves to the mission of Jesus Christ, fighting corruption and greed, while doing all in their power to help their fellow neighbors. Many people shared these beliefs and they became known as Progressives, with Gladden being one of the most prominent figures in the movement in Ohio during the late 1800s and the early 1900s. He served on the Columbus City Council from 1900-1902 and remained active in the public sphere after his time as councilman. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: MSS87AVB103F04_01
Subjects: Gladden, Washington, 1836-1918; Clergy; Churches; Portrait photography; Religion in Ohio; Social movements
Places: Columbus (Ohio); Franklin County (Ohio)