Charles Haddon Spurgeon - Metropolitan Tabernacle

This is Metropolitan Tabernacle...the only original portion of the building is the front that you see in the picture...this building was heavily damaged by German bombing in WWII.

While this is not Charles Spurgeon's original pulpit, it was a thrill to stand behind it. The church continues to do well as they run approximately 600 in worship on Sunday mornings...not as many as Spurgeon but still going strong in the ministry.

Charels Haddon Spurgeon, (June 19, 1834 – January 31, 1892)

On his way to a scheduled appointment, Charles Spurgeon encountered a snow storm forced him to cut short his intended journey and to turn into a Primitive Methodist chapel in Colchester where, in his own words: "God opened his heart to the salvation message."

The regular pastor was not present (probably because of the storm) and a lay leader had to give the message. Even though the message was not delivered in a great manner...it was scripturally sound and the Holy Spirit moved greatly. The text that moved him was Isaiah 45:22 - "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and there is none else." That is why these words are still posted on a sign above the pulpit in the sanctuary!

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a British Reformed Baptist preacher who remains highly influential amongst Christians of different denominations, among whom he is still known as the "Prince of Preachers." He also founded the charity organization now known as Spurgeon's, that works worldwide with families and children, as well as a famous theological college which after his death was called after him: Spurgeon's College. His sermons were translated into many languages in his lifetime.