The Prince of Preachers
Charles Haddon
Spurgeon
Explore over 3,500 sermons, lectures, and writings from the most prolific preacher in church history. A treasury of biblical wisdom spanning four decades of faithful ministry.
3,561
Sermons Published
63
Volumes
38
Years of Ministry
14,000
Members
This Week in Spurgeon's Pulpit
A Bible which is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't.
Charles H. Spurgeon
A Life of Faithful Ministry
The Spurgeon Story
Born in Kelvedon, Essex
Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born on June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, England, to a Nonconformist minister.
Stays with Grandparents
Spurgeon spent formative years with his grandfather, a Congregationalist pastor, deeply shaping his early faith.
Moves to Newmarket
Spurgeon moved to Newmarket to teach at a school, continuing his voracious reading and self-education in theology.
Conversion at Age 15
On a snowy January morning, a lay preacher's words on Isaiah 45:22 — "Look unto me, and be ye saved" — changed his life forever.
First Sermon Preached
At 16, Spurgeon preached his first sermon in a cottage at Teversham and quickly became known for his gifts.
Pastor at Waterbeach
At just 17, Spurgeon became pastor of the Waterbeach Baptist Chapel, transforming a small village congregation.
Called to New Park Street
At 19, Spurgeon was called to the historic New Park Street Chapel in London. Crowds quickly outgrew the building.
Surrey Gardens Music Hall
Services moved to the Surrey Gardens Music Hall, drawing over 10,000 — and marking a tragedy when a false alarm caused a stampede.
Preaches to 23,000
Spurgeon preached to an estimated 23,654 people at the Crystal Palace — one of the largest crowds ever addressed by a single voice.
Metropolitan Tabernacle Opens
The Metropolitan Tabernacle, seating 5,600, opened its doors and became the epicenter of his ministry for three decades.
Founding of Pastors' College
Spurgeon founded the Pastors' College to train men for ministry, equipping hundreds of pastors who spread across the globe.
Stockwell Orphanage Founded
Spurgeon opened the Stockwell Orphanage, eventually housing and educating over 500 children at a time.
Sword & Trowel Magazine
He launched The Sword and the Trowel, a monthly magazine sharing sermons, reviews, and ministry news.
Downgrade Controversy
Spurgeon withdrew from the Baptist Union over doctrinal compromise, a courageous stand that cost him many friendships.
Legacy Endures
Spurgeon passed into glory on January 31, 1892. He left 63 volumes of sermons, 135+ books, and a legacy shaping the church worldwide.
Explore the Archive
A Living Library
The most comprehensive collection of Spurgeon's works, digitized and freely available to study, search, and share.
~6,000
volumes from his
personal collection
Visit in Person
The Spurgeon
Library
Located at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, the Spurgeon Library houses one of the world's most significant collections of Spurgeonia — including nearly 6,000 volumes from Spurgeon's personal library, many containing his own handwritten annotations.
Scholars, pastors, students, and Spurgeon enthusiasts are warmly welcomed to visit, research, and experience this treasure firsthand.
Location
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
5001 N Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64118
Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Appointments recommended for research visits
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Study Theology Where Spurgeon Is Celebrated
Deepen your calling through an M.Div or Doctoral program at MBTS — where the Prince of Preachers' legacy shapes pastoral formation. Visit campus and see for yourself.