John Henry Jowett


John Henry Jowett was an influential British Protestant preacher at the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century who wrote books on topics related to Christian living. He has been called "The greatest preacher in the English speaking world."

Early life

Jowett was born 25 August 1864 at Beaumont Town, Northowram in Halifax, West Yorkshire to working-class parents who attended the Congregational church in Halifax. Jowett's father was a tailor and draper.

Career and influence

Jowett was influenced by Enoch Mellor who was incumbent at Square Road Congregational Church, Halifax, between 1867 and 1881, and determined to become a preacher.
Jowett understood the problems faced by workers and while the pastor at Carr's Lane Congregational Church in Birmingham, England, founded the Digbeth Institute, now an arts center. While at Carr's Lane Jowett was elected chairman of the Congregational Union and president of the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches.
Jowett served at the Presbyterian Church, Fifth Avenue, New York, from 1911 to 1918, then Westminster Chapel from 1918 to 1922, when he retired due to ill-health, and died the following year.

Books

Jowett was the author of numerous books on Christian devotion, preaching, and the Bible.

Devotional books

Jowett was a Companion of Honour: 1922 Dissolution Honours.