A New Horizon
Chicago offered Dwight the opportunities and freedom he had been looking for. However, like any city filled with young people far from their families’ moral influence, Chicago had its share of saloons, brothels, and gambling dens. Yet Dwight sought out a church and prayer meeting within his first week in the city. He did not fall prey to these popular vices. This suggests that his conversion was more authentic than the deacons at Mount Vernon had recognised.
A Boom for Business
Dwight also found that his faith benefited his business. His integrity and friendliness made him an excellent salesman. Within two days of arriving in Chicago, he had secured a job selling shoes through another uncle, Calvin Holton.
As a salesman, Dwight was zealous and tireless. He soon proved that he could earn in one week in Chicago what he had earned in a month in Boston.
A Calling
Chicago offered opportunities beyond shoe sales. Dwight began speculating in money lending and real estate, two ventures that proved rather profitable. Yet the desire to make money was not the only thing burning within him. He also longed to save souls.
Dwight was convinced that Jesus was the answer to everything that plagued the human heart. He felt called to bring that answer to as many people as possible.
A New Church Home
Dwight transferred his membership from Mount Vernon to Plymouth Congregational Church in Chicago. As his income grew, he rented a pew of his own. Unlike many who rented pews for prestige, Dwight had another purpose: he wanted to fill his pew every Sunday!
According to his son’s biography, “He would hail young men on the street corners, or visit their boarding houses, or even call them out of saloons to share his pew.”
READ ALSO: WILLIAM AND CATHERINE (PART 4)
A Passion for Souls
Dwight’s invitations soon attracted a large and varied congregation of guests. Whether they came out of curiosity or were moved by his earnestness and friendliness, his goal was achieved. Before long, he was renting four pews, which he filled every Sunday with his unusual assortment of guests.
Even one church did not seem sufficient for Dwight. He soon began attending meetings at three churches: Plymouth Congregational Church, the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and the First Baptist Church. After work each evening, he would seek out a prayer meeting to attend.
Spiritual Mentors
At the First Baptist Church, Dwight met “Mother” H. Phillips, who took him under her wing as a spiritual son. He also met Emma Revell, who would later become Mrs. Dwight Moody.
By 1857, Dwight was lodging and taking meals at Mother Phillips’s house. Each time they met, she encouraged him to pray and helped strengthen his faith. She also taught him the importance of Bible study and Scripture memorisation. Beyond these disciplines, she showed him how to minister to children and disciple converts.
A Revival
A revival of sorts broke out in Chicago in 1858, with Mother Phillips near its centre. Urban missions began springing up to reach the city’s most vulnerable people. Many were alcoholics, opium addicts, or prostitutes.
Just as Mother Phillips became Dwight’s spiritual mother, J. B. Stillson became his spiritual father. Stillson ministered among sailors along the Chicago River. When he met Dwight, the two discovered that they shared a deep concern for souls.
Stillson took Dwight to minister in places where women dared not go. He also lent Dwight a copy of George Mueller’s A Life of Trust. The book would influence Dwight significantly for years to come.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Tale Tuesday 073
Date: 30th January, 2024
Title: : Dwight L. Moody – The Greatest Layman (Part 5)
Source: God’s generals- The Revivalists
Author: Roberts Liardon
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