GREATEST IS CHARITY THE HB

That the name of Andrew Reed (1787-1862) should be better known will be obvious to all who read Dr Ian Shaw’s excellent biography... Here is the story of one of the truly great preachers of the Victorian age, who built up a church of under a hundred to one regularly numbering around two thousand, during his half century as pastor ... in Stepney, London...

Above all, Andrew Reed is to be remembered for his vital work in establishing three orphanages, two homes for those with what we call today ‘learning disabilities’ and a ‘hospice’ for those with severe physical disabilities. Four of the charities Andrew Reed founded still continue their work today, although in changed form...

In a day when ... society is in serious danger of forgetting or neglecting its Christian roots, this book is an exceptional reminder that our heritage of care and compassion has excellent models based upon the highest principles and motivation...

No one will read this book without being moved, enlightened and inspired to greater compassion for those at the bottom of society, and greater confidence in their God. There is still much being done today for our society by a host of care organizations in the evangelical tradition, but the scope for more is unlimited. The story of Andrew Reed will provide a stimulus and an incentive to go forward.
- From the Foreword by Brian H. Edwards

‘This book is a rare gem, and a 'must' for all today’s church leaders. The narrative gives us a vivid picture of London’s early nineteenth-century East End where Andrew Reed ministered and where his growing church looked after orphans and schooled the young. In a visit to the young and raw United States, he was against Finney’s revivalism, but felt the full force of real revival in his own church in 1839-40. The book shows, above all, the link between love for neighbours and love for souls... It really is an excellent book!’
- Sir Fred Catherwood

‘This is the definitive biography of a man whose life and work was dedicated to the needs of others. It is both a compelling and humbling account as it draws us deep inside the true purpose and meaning of Christian charity. It will go a long way towards raising Andrew Reed’s profile, and showing the relevance of his work in a society needing more compassion and care than ever.’
- Douglas Reed (descendant of Andrew Reed, and board member of two charities founded by him)

Dr Ian J. Shaw has been Lecturer in Church History at International Christian College, Glasgow, since 1996. Before this he was pastor of an Independent Evangelical Church in the Manchester area. He has a PhD in Church History from the University of Manchester.

Andrew Reed (1787-1862), husband of hymnist Elizabeth Holmes Reed, attended Hackney College, London, and became a Congregational minister. He was pastor at the New Road Chapel, St George’s-in-the-East, then at Wycliffe Chapel, which he helped build in 1830. He also earned a degree from Yale College, and founded the London Orphan Asylum (1813) and the Hospital for Incurables (1855).