DL Moody: From Humble Beginnings to a Worldwide Impact

Dwight Lyman Moody, better known as DL Moody, was born in 1837 in Northfield, Massachusetts. His life began in hardship. When he was only four years old, his father passed away, leaving his mother to raise nine children on her own. The family often lived in poverty, yet Moody’s mother taught him hard work, honesty, and the importance of faith.

A Turning Point in Boston

As a teenager, Moody moved to Boston to work in his uncle’s shoe store. His uncle made him promise to attend church if he wanted the job. Moody agreed, and it was there that his Sunday school teacher, Edward Kimball, came to visit him one afternoon. Kimball spoke to him about Jesus, and Moody decided to follow Christ. That quiet moment in a shoe shop changed the direction of his entire life.

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose.” (Isaiah 55:11)

From Business to Ministry in Chicago

At age 19, Moody moved to Chicago. At first, his goal was to make money, but his heart soon shifted. He began teaching Bible lessons to poor children in Chicago’s North Market area. His little class grew so large that it became a full Sunday school, drawing hundreds every week. Even President Abraham Lincoln visited when he was in Chicago.

Moody’s style was simple—he spoke plainly, told stories, and preached Christ without trying to sound polished or educated. People listened because he was genuine.

“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:4)

Revival Campaigns Around the World

Moody didn’t stay in one place for long. In the 1870s, he began holding evangelistic meetings in both the United States and Great Britain. Large crowds gathered to hear him preach. He often worked with gospel singer Ira Sankey, whose music prepared hearts to listen to the Word of God. Together they brought thousands of people to Christ.

“Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” (Psalm 96:2)

The Great Chicago Fire and a New Direction

In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed much of the city, including Moody’s church and his home. Instead of quitting, he pressed forward with greater passion. He believed God had spared his life for a reason, and he committed himself to preaching the gospel even more boldly.

Building Schools for the Next Generation

Moody believed strongly in education, especially in preparing young men and women to share the gospel.

• In 1879, he founded the Northfield Seminary for Girls in his hometown.
• In 1881, he started the Mount Hermon School for Boys across the river.
• In 1886, he founded the Chicago Evangelization Society, which later became the Moody Bible Institute.

Through these schools, Moody trained countless workers for ministry all over the world.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

A Lasting Legacy

DL Moody passed away in 1899 in Northfield, Massachusetts. Yet his influence continues. The schools he started are still shaping lives. Moody Bible Institute trains pastors, missionaries, and leaders who carry on the same gospel message that Moody once preached on Chicago’s streets.

His life reminds us of Paul’s words to Timothy:

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

A Timeline of Moody’s Life