A Brief Overview of the Christian Endeavor Society

Leaders of Christian Endeavor Francis Clark (1851-1927) Francis Clark was the founder and organizer of Christian Endeavor. He became the President of the United Society of Christian Endeavor in 1888 and remained in that role until he resigned in 1925. He was elected President of the World Wide Society of Christian Endeavor when it was formed in 1895 and held that title until his death in 1927. Despite his many accomplishments in those roles, he had a strong group of other leaders who helped to grow and continue Christian Endeavor.

Harriett Clark (1850-1945) Often referred to as “Mother Christian Endeavor,” Harriett Clark was a vital part of the success of her husband, Francis Clark, and Christian Endeavor. Harriett Abbott and Francis Clark met while Francis was a student at Andover Seminary.

The Abbott family home was a place of help and refuge for many a seminarian and when Francis Clark was getting ready to graduate, having spent a lot of time with the Abbotts; it was no surprise that he asked Harriett to marry him.

Harriett was a direct descendant of the Pilgrim, John Alden, who was came to America on the Mayflower.34 She was strong of character and determination. William Shaw, who was one of her students writes, “Slender and spirituelle in 34 Shaw, The Evolution of an Endeavorer, 56.