The Social Gospel in Grinnell

“The Social Gospel in Grinnell” is now on display in Burling Gallery on the lower level of Burling Library. Using materials from the Special Collections and Archives, this exhibit explores the main figures of the Social Gospel Movement in Grinnell and how the movement affected the town and College.  In addition to the physical exhibit, you can learn more about the Social Gospel Movement in Grinnell online.

The Social Gospel Movement of the late 19th century arose in response to the social and economic disruptions of the times. Grinnell became a center of this movement when George A. Gates became president of Iowa College and George D. Herron was appointed Professor of Applied Christianity. While Herron became nationally known for his fiery rhetoric, it was  Gates whose Social Gospel ethos transformed the College.

This exhibit was curated by retired Archivist of the College, Catherine Rod and student, Matthew McCarthy ’17.