SIMPSON, A. B. (ALBERT BENJAMIN) (1843–1919)
Founder of what became the Christian and Missionary Alliance
Simpson was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada, to parents of Scottish descent. His father was involved in the export–import trade, as well as in the shipbuilding industry. Prompted by business depression, the family later moved to a farm in Ontario. Albert and the eight other children were raised in a home of strong biblical commitment and disciplined Christian living.
In 1861, young Simpson began study for the ministry at Knox College, Toronto. The recipient of scholarships and prizes, he graduated in 1865 and accepted his first charge at Knox Church, Hamilton. Additional churches served were in Louisville, Kentucky, and New York City. _Widely hailed as an outstanding pulpiteer, Simpson totally rejected such praise. He favored pastoral visitation and evangelism as emphases in his ministry. Ultimately he devoted much of his energy to addressing conventions and concentrated his interest on missions. In 1887 Simpson became the prime mover in the establishment of the Evangelical Missionary Alliance, later to become the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
Simpson authored some seventy books, edited his denomination’s publication (Alliance Weekly), wrote numerous poems, and composed a large number of songs. Emphases in his writing and preaching include the sanctified life and confidence in divine healing. Some of his more noteworthy books are The Gospel of Healing, Holy Spirit, Christ in the Tabernacle, and The Life of Prayer.
J. D. Douglas, Philip Wesley Comfort and Donald Mitchell, Who’s Who in Christian History, Illustrated Lining Papers. (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House, 1997, c1992).
This Biographical Sketch comes from… Who’s Who in Christian History.
SIMPSON, A. B. (ALBERT BENJAMIN) (1843–1919)
