Today’s Leader of Faith
ANDREW REED
Home Call : 25 Feb 1862
Missionary, Philanthropist, Founder of many Orphanages, Theologian, Hymn Writer and Social Reformer
Andrew Reed (1787–1862) was a prominent English missionary and is best known for his work in founding and supporting orphanages and for his contributions to the establishment of missionary societies. He played a significant role in social and religious reform during his time. One of his most important contributions was his involvement in founding the London Orphan Asylum, the Infant Orphan Asylum, Wanstead, and the Reedham Orphanage,. This institution provided shelter, education, and care to orphaned children and was one of the first of its kind in England. In 1847, he started a home for people with intellectual disabilities at Highgate, which later moved to Earlswood in Surrey, with another branch in Colchester. In 1855, he also founded the Royal Hospital for Incurable Patients in Putney. He was also involved in Chapel building efforts and Hymn writing.
Reed was born in London, England, on November 27, 1787 to simple tradespeople, and he started as an apprentice. In 1807, he joined Hackney Academy to study theology under George Collison and became a minister at New Road Chapel in 1811. Around 1830, he built the larger Wycliffe Chapel, where he served until 1861. In 1834, he travelled to America to represent the Congregational Churches and received a Doctor of Divinity (DD) degree from Yale. He wrote about his American visit in a two-volume book (1834), compiled a hymn book (1841), and published sermons and devotional books.
Reed was a minister and philanthropist who served at New Road Chapel and later Wycliffe Chapel, which he helped build in 1830. He founded several major charitable institutions on a non-denominational basis. He was also involved in chapel-building efforts, raising significant funds for various projects, including Congregational chapels at Hounslow (1835) and Woodford (1836). His wife, Elizabeth Holmes Reed (1794–1867), worked alongside him, writing hymns and books on child training. He built a vast network of influential donors, including Sir Morton Peto, Angela Burdett Coutts, and Lord Robert Grosvenor, to support his philanthropic work. His will emphasized inclusivity, requesting that orphan institutions remain open to all children regardless of faith. Additionally, he was actively involved in social and political reforms. He supported the repeal of the Corn Laws, helped finance Dr. Philip’s efforts to bring South African natives to London to testify before Parliament, and participated in conferences in America as a delegate from the Congregational Union of England & Wales. During one visit, he contributed to the founding of Boston’s first anti-slavery society in the 1830s. He urged America to live up to its ideals by freeing enslaved people and protecting Native Americans.
Andrew Reed died in Hackney, London, and was buried in Abney Park Cemetery in Stoke Newington. His son, Charles Reed, followed in his footsteps, becoming an MP and chairman of the first London School Board.