Henrietta C. Mears was one of the great Bible teachers of the 20th century. While Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, she built one of the largest Sunday Schools in the world and wrote curriculum that was in such high demand that to publish it she founded Gospel Light in 1933. Such notable Christian leaders as Richard C. Halverson, Louis Evans, Jr. and Bill Bright were among her students. Miss Mears developed "cradle-to-grave" age-appropriate curriculum, published a new style of Vacation Bible School, and lent her support to distributing Gospel materials around the world.
Gospel Light has expanded into a multi-faceted publisher of fun and creative Sunday School curriculum, exciting Vacation Bible School programs and inspiring biblical books (Regal) . The mission of Gospel Light is still the same today as it was in 1933: "To know Christ and to make Him known."
"There is no magic in small plans. When I consider my ministry, I think of the world. Anything less than that would not be worthy of Christ nor of His will for my life." -Henrietta C. Mears
Henrietta Mears...A Childhood Call to a Life of Service
| 1912-1914 |
High School Teacher, Beardsley, MN |
| 1915-1928 |
Teacher and Senior Advisor, Central High School, Minneapolis |
| 1928-1963 |
Director, Christian Education; and Teacher, College Department, The First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood |
| 1933 |
Founded Gospel Light Publications |
| 1938 |
Founded Forest Home Christian Conference Center |
| 1949 |
Honored with the Degree of Doctor of Humanities |
| 1961 |
Co-Founder GLINT (Gospel Literature International) |
| March 20, 1963 |
Called to be with her Lord |