Wilson Carlile was a British Anglican priest and evangelist, born in Brixton in 1847. Before dedicating his life to religious service, he worked as a successful businessman. His spiritual path was influenced by assisting Dwight L. Moody in Islington. Following his ordination as a deacon at St Paul's Cathedral, he served as a curate at St Mary Abbots in Kensington. He is most recognized for establishing the Church Army in 1882, an organization that launched its initial campaign in Belfast in 1883.