October 26, 1928—A Homegoing Marked by Faith

Reuben A. Torrey died on October 26, 1928, closing a ministry remembered for steady courage, plain preaching, and confident dependence on God. He was not celebrated for novelty, but for conviction—standing as a man persuaded that Scripture is true, Christ saves, and prayer is more than religious habit.

His life remains a reminder that Christian heroism is often quiet: believing, obeying, and enduring when the surrounding culture drifts.

Chicago and the Plain Gospel

After pastoring Chicago’s Moody Avenue Church, Torrey preached with a directness that pressed hearers toward repentance and faith. He urged Christians to expect God to work, not because of human strength, but because God has spoken and keeps His promises.

In an age of growing skepticism, his steadfastness modeled the call of 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

Training Workers: Moody Bible Institute and Biola

Torrey helped shape generations of gospel workers as the first superintendent of the Moody Bible Institute, carrying forward the evangelistic burden associated with D. L. Moody while emphasizing careful Bible study and personal holiness.

Later, as the first superintendent of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (Biola), he strengthened a new training center on the West Coast. These institutions served local churches by sending out teachers, missionaries, and evangelists who could open the Scriptures and point sinners to Christ.

The Fundamentals and the Battle for Truth

As an editor of The Fundamentals, Torrey labored to defend historic Christian truth at a time when many redefined the faith to fit modern tastes. He treated doctrine as pastoral care—truth meant to protect believers, steady families, and keep churches centered on the cross and the empty tomb.

He also called Christians back to earnest intercession, echoing James 5:16: “The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.”

Enduring Witness

Torrey’s enduring witness urges today’s Christians to preach Christ plainly, rely on the Spirit, and hold the faith with courage—confident that God still honors His Word and answers prayer.