Washington GladdenWashington Gladden was born on February 11, 1836, in Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, United States, and died on July 2, 1918, in Columbus, Ohio, United States. He was a leading American Congregational pastor and an early figure in the Social Gospel movement, which sought to apply ethical and religious principles to social and economic issues. Educated at Williams College, he developed a strong commitment to moral reform, civic responsibility, and progressive social thought. Gladden played an active role in public life, serving for two years on the Columbus, Ohio city council and engaging directly with issues of governance and urban reform. As religious editor of the New York Independent, he became known for campaigning against political corruption, including outspoken opposition to Boss Tweed. His writing and public advocacy emphasized the moral obligations of institutions and individuals, linking faith with labor rights, social justice, and democratic accountability. Through sermons essays and books, he helped shape progressive religious discourse, presenting Christianity as a force for ethical action, social reform, and responsible engagement with modern civic life. Read More Read Less