The son of Christians Reuben and Elizabeth, Reuben Archer Torrey entered the world on January 28, 1856, in Hoboken, New Jersey. The family moved to Brooklyn and from there to a country home in the uplands of New York State. His father, a corporation lawyer and banker, honored the Sabbath but did not enforce strict rules during the week. Hence, Torrey tended to do what he wanted when he wanted to. After having seen a book in his attic about being a true Christian, Torrey shuddered that God's Will may have him become a preacher. Not wanting that life, he closed the book and turned his back, resuming his worldly lifestyle.
Determined to practice law, Torrey entered Yale University. Dancing, gaming, the race track, and the theater all kept him occupied and entertained until a startling dream brought him up short. Torrey awoke and saw his mother as an angel. She implored him to preach. Drowsy, depressed, yet impulsive, Torrey latched onto the idea of suicide. He deplored giving up a life that though seemed exciting wasn't bringing him satisfaction. Unable to follow through on his suicide plan, he fell to his knees and prayed to the Lord. A deep peace permeated him completely and Torrey believed that he should preach. Shortly thereafter he professed his faith publicly in Yale chapel, then graduated, and attended Yale Divinity School.
Most likely Torrey's change in professions brought peace to his mother as well. For, the night of Torrey's anguish, she herself had been awoken and pulled to her knees in prayer for her son. Both she and her husband died two years later in 1877, knowing their son was becoming an influential soul-winner for the Lord.
A person who affected Torrey deeply was Dwight L. Moody. After meeting him in Connecticut, Torrey worked harder to direct people to Jesus Christ. They may not always appreciate his direct behavior, but he didn't believe they had to like him first before they came to know the Lord. In 1878 he earned his B.D. and was ordained a Congregational minister, pastoring a small community in Ohio. With a thirst to continue learning, Torrey studied in Germany. Tempted to lean to toward new, progressive teachings, Torrey found himself pulled more strongly toward conservative doctrines.
With his orthodox teachings he returned to the United Stated and organized a poor Minnesota church later called the Open Door Church. Moving from one church to another, benefitting them each along the way with his devotion to God's Word and his drive to bring followers to Christ, Torrey took his pastoral responsibilities seriously. His deep influence on the lives of others brought him to Dwight Moody's attention.
Moody needed someone to supervise the school he wanted to found. Torrey was Moody's answer. Torrey stayed with what would later be known as Moody Bible Institutes from 1889 to 1908. By developing curriculum, engaging students, leading by example what he taught, and providing sound doctrine, Torrey brought himself recognition in the Christian world. When Moody died, it was Torrey that people believed would continue to guide the way for Christian evangelism. By also pastoring the Moody Memorial Church from 1894 to 1905, more and more Christians heard and spread the Gospel.
Called to take the Gospel and hold revival services all over the world, Torrey traveled to Australia, New Zealand, India, England, France, and Germany. Coming back to the United States, Torrey ended his responsibilities with the Moody Bible Institute and the Moody Memorial Church. He instead continued his mission of crusading across America and overseas. In all his time preaching, it is believed that Torrey saw over 100, 000 people come to Christ.
Acting as the dean of what is now called BIOLA from 1912-1924, Torrey also organized the Church of the Open Door and pastored it for over nine years. Touring China, Korea, and Japan, Torrey came to be known worldwide as a savior of souls for the Lord. Slowing down as he grew older, Torrey held Bible conferences, lectured, and prayed. During his lifetime he penned over forty books, many of which are still in print, on topics such as prayer, salvation, evangelism, soul-winning, and the Holy Spirit. From How to Bring Men to Christ to his last book Lectures on the First Epistle of John, Torrey impacted people through his writing as well as through his orations and prayers. On October 26, 1928, Torrey passed away in his home in North Carolina.
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