Henry Ward Beecher was a charismatic clergyman, reformer, abolitionist and speaker.  Born into a family that was famous for producing social crusaders, he was especially close to his sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, the writer of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” His other well-known siblings included educators, Catherine Beecher and Reverend Thomas Beecher, and activists Charles Beecher and Isabella Beecher. Henry Ward Beecher was notorious for his preaching style. He campaigned for Women’s suffrage, temperance and Darwin’s theory of evolution.  He hated slavery and eschewed bigotry of any kind whether religious, racial or social. Everyone, not only the select few, was entitled to freedom, hope and joy!

“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.”

Henry Ward Beecher

The social reformer has spoken: Joy belongs to the entire world.