Carlile, Wilson

(1847–1942)

   Philanthropist and Organisation Founder.

   Carlile began his career as a business man, but after enrolling in the London College of Divinity, he was ordained in 1880. In 1882 he founded the Church Army, which was designed to be an Anglican version of William booth’s Salvation Army. Carlile supervised prison missions, youth centres, canteens and hostels for the homeless, unmarried mothers, drug addicts, the elderly and discharged prisoners. Under his guidance as Chief Secretary, the Church Army became a highly successful organisation of lay-workers, all devoting themselves to philanthropic causes. The work of the Army continues today.

   K. Heasman, Army of the Church (1968);

   E. Rowan, Wilson Carlile and the Church Army, 5th edn (1956).