Charles Waters (evangelist)
Charles Waters | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1839-09-22 Loose, near Maidstone, Kent, England |
| Died | 1910-01-07 |
| Occupation(s) | Evangelical Christian, Bank manager |
| Years active | 19th century – early 20th century |
| Known for | Founder of the International Bible Reading Association (IBRA) |
Charles Waters was a devoted evangelical Christian and the initiator of the International Bible Reading Association (IBRA). In his professional life, he held the position of bank manager at the London and County Bank.
He was born on 22 September 1839 in Loose, near Maidstone, Kent. Waters embraced Christianity at a young age and received baptism from Reverend David Cranbrook. Before relocating to London, he was actively involved in leading Sunday school classes and delivering sermons within his local community. Upon moving to London, he came under the influence of Charles Spurgeon through sermons at the New Park Street Chapel. Waters engaged in evangelical outreach throughout south London and served as an instructor at the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Waters undertook extensive travels on behalf of IBRA throughout Europe and North America. Notably, he spoke at the World Sunday School Convention held in St. Louis in 1893 and attended the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. He also led the IBRA World Sunday School Convention in Rome in 1907 and made visits to Scandinavia, Louisville, and Switzerland between 1904 and 1909. Around 1900, under his guidance, IBRA handled more than 8,000 correspondences within just two months. Waters contributed several IBRA publications such as Hints on the Daily Readings, Circular Readings, and the quarterly periodical Silver Link, writing under the pseudonym "The Man Behind the Wheel."
For a quarter-century, he managed the King's Cross branch of the London and County Bank. His residence was initially in Streatham Hill before he moved to Brixton.
After undergoing surgery, Waters passed away on 7 January 1910. He was interred at Camberwell Old Cemetery, where his marble tomb subsequently received Grade II listed status. His funeral service was conducted at the Metropolitan Tabernacle.
Following his death, the Sunday School Union released a monograph entitled Charles Waters: The founder of the International Bible Reading Association, authored by Robert Latimer Sloan with a foreword by Sir Francis Flint Belsey, chairman of the Sunday School Union council.
Charles Spurgeon personally nicknamed him "Cold Waters." Waters married Ms. Goodwin at New Park Street Chapel, and together they had five children: three daughters and two sons.