Dwight Lyman “D.L.” Moody (1837–1899) was a highly influential American evangelist who left his shoe business in 1860 to dedicate his life to preaching the gospel. He was known for his work in the U.S. and Great Britain, organizing urban revivals and co-founding the Chicago YMCA. Moody also established several institutions, including the Moody Church, Northfield School, and the Moody Bible Institute, and was a prolific publisher.
Early life and conversion: Born in Massachusetts, Moody left home at 17 to work in Boston and was converted to evangelicalism through his Sunday school teacher. He later moved to Chicago, where he started a Sunday school that eventually grew into the Illinois Street Church (now The Moody Church).
Ministry and evangelism: Moody’s ministry was characterized by energetic preaching and urban revival campaigns that drew large crowds. During the Civil War, he ministered to soldiers through the YMCA. He partnered with hymn writer Ira Sankey for evangelistic tours in Great Britain and across America, which were key in shaping modern mass evangelism techniques.
Institutions and legacy: Moody founded several institutions that continue to operate today:
The Moody Church in Chicago
The Northfield School and Mount Hermon School (now the Northfield Mount Hermon School)
The Moody Bible Institute, which trains ministers and evangelists
Moody Publishers
Beliefs: He was a staunch opponent of “higher criticism” of the Bible and the Social Gospel movement, favoring a literal interpretation of scripture and focusing on what he called “the old-fashioned gospel”.
Personal life: Despite his public ministry, Moody was also a devoted family man who married Emma Charlotte Revell in 1862 and had three children. His wife supported him in his demanding work, managing finances and doing much of his correspondence.