Origins & Early Life

John Raleigh Mott (May 25, 1865 – January 31, 1955) was an American evangelist and long-serving leader of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF). He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946 for his work in establishing and strengthening international Protestant Christian student organizations that worked to promote peace. He shared the prize with Emily Greene Balch. From 1895 until 1920 Mott was the General Secretary of the WSCF.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Intimately involved in the formation of the World Council of Churches in 1948, that body elected him as a lifelong honorary President. He helped found the World Student Christian Federation in 1895, the 1910 World Missionary Conference and the World Council of Churches in 1948. His best-known book, The Evangelization of the World in this Generation, became a missionary slogan in the early 20th century. Mott was born in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, New York, on May 25, 1865, and his family moved to Postville, Iowa, in September of the same year. He attended Upper Iowa University, where he studied history and was an award-winning student debater.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He transferred to Cornell University...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Albert Einstein — Contemporary (Died in 1955) (1955): Pioneering theoretical physicist known for the theory of relativity and E=mc2.
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• 1865 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1865
• May 25 (05-25) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 25
• 1955 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1955
• January 31 (01-31) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on January 31