Finney, Charles Grandison (1792-1875), was a Presbyterian and Congregationalist preacher who specialized in religious revivals. He served as president of Oberlin (Ohio) College from 1851 to 1866. Finney was a lawyer before he became a revivalist, and his preaching was logical and direct. Finney emphasized human free will. He also taught that it was possible for people, with God’s help, to live perfect lives free from sin.
Finney’s preaching aided the antislavery and temperance movements of his time. Temperance is the reduction or elimination of the use of alcoholic beverages. The Broadway Tabernacle in New York City was built for Finney. Finney made two preaching tours of Britain (now also called the United Kingdom). His writings include Lectures on Revivals of Religion (1835) and Lectures on Systematic Theology (1846- 1847). He also founded the Oberlin Evangelist in 1839 and served as its editor. Finney was born in Warren, Connecticut, on Aug. 29, 1792. He died in Oberlin on Aug. 16, 1875.
