Washington Gladden was an influential American clergyman and social reformer born on February 11, 1836, in Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania. He is best known for his role in the Social Gospel movement, which emphasized the application of Christian ethics to social problems, particularly issues like poverty and labor rights. Gladden served as a pastor in various congregations and wrote extensively on social issues. Throughout his career, Gladden advocated for social justice and was a prominent voice in the fight for workers' rights. He believed that faith should inspire action to improve society, and his writings, including books and articles, helped shape the discourse around Christian ethics and social responsibility in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.