Washington Gladden was a prominent American Congregational pastor and a central figure in the Social Gospel movement. Born in 1836 in Pennsylvania, he dedicated his life to applying Christian principles to modern social issues. He was a prolific writer, poet, and hymnwriter who also engaged in politics, serving on the city council in Columbus, Ohio. As a progressive leader, he advocated for labor rights, supported the unionization of workers, and campaigned against racial segregation and political corruption.