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Harry Ironside
Henry Allan “Harry” Ironside (1876–1951). Born on October 14, 1876, in Toronto, Canada, to John and Sophia Ironside, Harry Ironside was a prolific Bible teacher, pastor, and author in the Plymouth Brethren and dispensationalist traditions. Converted at age 12 through his mother’s influence and his own Bible reading, he began preaching at 14 with the Salvation Army in California after moving there in 1886. Largely self-taught, he never attended seminary but memorized much of Scripture, earning an honorary D.D. from Wheaton College in 1942. Joining the Plymouth Brethren in 1896, he itinerated across North America, preaching at revival meetings and Bible conferences, known for clear, anecdotal sermons. In 1930, he became pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, serving until 1948, growing its influence through radio broadcasts. Ironside authored over 100 books and commentaries, including Holiness: The False and the True (1912), Lectures on Daniel the Prophet (1911), and The Minor Prophets (1904), emphasizing practical biblical application. Married to Helen Schofield in 1898 until her death in 1948, then to Ann Hightower in 1949, he had two sons, Edmund and John. He died on January 15, 1951, in Cambridge, New Zealand, while preaching, saying, “The Word of God is living and powerful—trust it fully.”
Sermon Summary
Harry A. Ironside, a prominent preacher from 1876 to 1951, emphasized that the great truths that challenge the natural man are the very foundations of the spiritual man's confidence. His diverse ministry included roles as a captain in the Salvation Army, an itinerant preacher, and pastor of Moody Memorial Church, where he served for 18.5 years without formal ordination. Known for his warm and impactful preaching, Ironside filled the church to capacity and traveled extensively, averaging 40 weeks on the road each year. Despite limited formal education, his remarkable intellect earned him the title 'Archbishop of Fundamentalism,' and he authored numerous books and articles on biblical themes. Ironside passed away in 1951 in New Zealand, leaving a lasting legacy in Christian ministry.
Harry A. Ironside Short Bio
Harry A. Ironside 1876 - 1951 "Great truths that are stumbling blocks to the natural man are nevertheless the very foundations upon which the confidence of the spiritual man is built." Few preachers had more varied ministries than this man. He was a captain in the Salvation Army, an itinerant preacher with the Plymouth Brethren, pastor of the renowned Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, and conducted Bible conferences throughout the world. Sandwiched between those major ministries, Ironside preached the Gospel on street corners, in missions, in taverns, on Indian reservations, etc. Never formally ordained and with no experience whatever as a pastor, Ironside took over the 4,000-seat Moody Memorial Church in Chicago and often filled it to capacity for 18 1/2 years. A seminary president once said of him, "He has the most unique ministry of any man living." Although he had little formal education, his tremendous mental capacity and photographic memory caused him to be called the "Archbishop of Fundamentalism." Preaching--warm, soul-saving preaching--was his forte. Special speakers in his great church often meant nothing; the crowds came when he was there. He traveled constantly at his prime, he averaged 40 weeks in the year on the road--always returning to Moody Memorial for Sunday services. His pen moved, too; he contributed regularly to various religious periodicals and journals in addition to publishing 80 books and pamphlets. His writings included addresses or commentaries on the entire New Testament, all of the prophetic books of the Old Testament, and a great many volumes on specific Bible themes and subjects. In 1951, Dr. Ironside died in Cambridge, New Zealand, and was buried there at his own request.
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Henry Allan “Harry” Ironside (1876–1951). Born on October 14, 1876, in Toronto, Canada, to John and Sophia Ironside, Harry Ironside was a prolific Bible teacher, pastor, and author in the Plymouth Brethren and dispensationalist traditions. Converted at age 12 through his mother’s influence and his own Bible reading, he began preaching at 14 with the Salvation Army in California after moving there in 1886. Largely self-taught, he never attended seminary but memorized much of Scripture, earning an honorary D.D. from Wheaton College in 1942. Joining the Plymouth Brethren in 1896, he itinerated across North America, preaching at revival meetings and Bible conferences, known for clear, anecdotal sermons. In 1930, he became pastor of Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, serving until 1948, growing its influence through radio broadcasts. Ironside authored over 100 books and commentaries, including Holiness: The False and the True (1912), Lectures on Daniel the Prophet (1911), and The Minor Prophets (1904), emphasizing practical biblical application. Married to Helen Schofield in 1898 until her death in 1948, then to Ann Hightower in 1949, he had two sons, Edmund and John. He died on January 15, 1951, in Cambridge, New Zealand, while preaching, saying, “The Word of God is living and powerful—trust it fully.”