Guide to the Charles Grandison Finney Papers
Open for research.
Charles Grandison Finney was born in Warren, CT. In 1818, having studied privately in lieu of attending college, he began work in a law office and was later admitted to the Bar. In 1824 he was ordained by the Presbytery of St. Lawrence.
After nearly a decade of conducting revivals across the northeastern and midwestern United States, Finney became pastor of the Second Free Presbyterian Church of New York City. In 1835 he established a theological department at the recently founded Oberlin College. 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 also served as pastor of Oberlin's First Congregational Church from 1835-1872.
Finney was a noted evangelist, temperance advocate and preacher. He published several volumes of sermons and lectures, in addition to many articles in various journals. He died in 1875.
Record Group 309 consists of one manuscript; an undated sermon outline. As this manuscript was given to the PHS by Finney's successor at Oberlin, it may be supposed that it dates from the latter part of his life.
The library also has the Oberlin College collection of Finney's papers on microfilm (MF2 F497).
Researchers should consult the card catalogue for Finney's published works.
This manuscript was given to the Presbyterian Historical Society by Finney's successor at Oberlin.
Collection processed and finding aid prepared: September 1992
Stephanie Muntone, Processing Archivist
| Box | Folder | Description | |
| 1 | 1 | Finding Aid to Record Group 309 | |
| 1 | 1 | Sermon Outline, undated |