Henry “Harry” Ironside was known as “the Archbishop of Fundamentalism” for his tremendous influence on 20th century evangelical theology.
As a pastor, theologian, Bible teacher and author, Harry was known for his strong commitment to dispensationalism, biblical inerrancy, and the authority of Scripture.
Ironside was born in Toronto, Canada, to Plymouth Brethren parents. Evidently spiritually motivated even as a boy, Harry was disappointed not finding an adequate Sunday school when his family moved to Los Angeles in 1886. In response, the eleven-year-old founded his own.
Young Harry’s classroom—accommodating 100 people—was made of burlap bags sewed into a tent by he and his friends. And with no adult teacher to be found, little Harry did the teaching himself, with attendance regularly numbering over 60 students each week—including several enthralled adults. This set the tone for the rest of his life.
Despite leaving school after the eighth grade, Harry’s photographic memory and natural gifts as a writer and speaker made him one of the outstanding Christian intellects of his generation.
He pastored the Moody Church in Chicago and maintained an extensive traveling and speaking itinerary in American and abroad. Ironside was also one of the most prolific Christian writers of the 20th century. He published more than 100 books, booklets, and pamphlets—including his series of influential Bible commentaries, works that are still highly respected and studied.
Throughout his years of service, Harry stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest Bible scholars, archaeologists and missions experts of his time. All this despite his limited schooling and the fact he was never formally trained as a theologian and was never ordained. (He was, however, awarded a Doctor of Literature from Wheaton College when he was 54 years old.)
Harry’s sister Lillian married Robert Laidlaw, the remarkable New Zealand Christian leader, businessman and philanthropist. It was in connection with the Laidlaws that Harry embarked on a tour of New Zealand in November 1950. He died two months later after suffering a heart attack and was buried at Purewa Cemetery at his own request.
Henry Allan Ironside Biography
Henry Allan Ironside
Died 1951
