Henry Lyman Morehouse, a prominent figure in the Baptist denomination, was born on October 2, 1834, in Stanford, New York. His lineage can be traced back to Thomas Muirhouse, a Scotch Covenanter who immigrated to Connecticut in the 17th century to escape religious persecution, and William Bentley, who arrived in Massachusetts from England in 1635. Morehouse’s Baptist heritage dates back to 1751 when one of his ancestors played a role in establishing a Baptist church in Connecticut.
Morehouse received his early education at the Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, New York, and went on to graduate from the University of Rochester in 1858. He furthered his education at the Rochester Theological Seminary, where he was influenced by President Martin B. Anderson and President Ezekiel Gilman Robinson. In 1864, Morehouse was ordained in East Saginaw, Michigan, and served as a pastor there until January 1873. He then moved on to serve as the pastor of the East Avenue Baptist Church in Rochester, New York for over six years. During this time, he also held the position of trustee of the New York Baptist Union for Ministerial Education and served as its corresponding secretary.
For the next thirty-eight years, Morehouse dedicated himself to the general work of the Northern Baptist denomination. He served as the corresponding secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society from 1879 to 1893 and again from 1902 to 1917. Additionally, he held the role of field secretary from 1893 to 1902 and was the corresponding secretary of the American Baptist Education Society during that time. Morehouse’s commitment and leadership in the field of home missions made him a prominent figure within the Baptist denomination. Known for his integrity and selfless dedication to his work, Morehouse was recognized as a leader in his generation. Despite facing charges in 1891 that questioned his integrity, he was able to vindicate himself and continue his work with enthusiastic support from his peers.
During his tenure with the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Morehouse played a pivotal role in reorganizing and expanding the organization. Under his leadership, annual expenditures increased significantly, and the number of students in schools for African Americans grew substantially. Morehouse’s passion for education also led to his involvement in organizing the American Baptist Education Society and his influence in the founding of the University of Chicago.
In addition to his contributions within the Baptist denomination, Morehouse sought to foster unity and collaboration among various Christian organizations. He was instrumental in promoting the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America and served as an editor of missionary periodicals. Morehouse’s impact extended beyond the boundaries of his denomination, reflecting his commitment to advancing Christian missions and education on a broader scale. One of Morehouse’s most significant achievements was his efforts in establishing the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board of the Northern Baptist Convention. Serving as its president from 1911 until his passing, Morehouse’s influence on this initiative is a testament to his lasting legacy within the Baptist community.
Henry Lyman Morehouse’s dedication to the American Baptist Home Mission Society as corresponding secretary for a total of 28 years and as field secretary for 9 years left an indelible mark on the organization’s work among African Americans, American Indians, and French Canadians. His unwavering commitment to advancing missions and education, coupled with his visionary leadership, solidified his position as a respected leader within the Baptist denomination. Morehouse’s death on May 5, 1917, marked the end of an era for the Baptist community. His contributions continue to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for future generations of Baptist leaders, embodying the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to serving others and advancing the mission of the church.