He preached his first sermon at the age of sixteen, and quickly became known for his oratory skills. People from all walks of life would flock to hear him preach. This had been specifically built for him, as the halls he preached in could not hold the numbers of people that came to listen. He instigated the establishment of many institutions, such as a pastors' college founded at Camberwell in 1856, which transferred to the Metropolitan Tabernacle in Newington opened. He instigated the establishment of many institutions such as a pastors' college founded at Camberwell in 1856, which transferred to the Metropolitan Tabernacle in 1861; and an orphanage founded in 1867 at Stockwell. Photographed from life by Lock and Whitfield, with brief biographical notices by Thompson Cooper. (Conducted by G. C. Whitfield.) (London, 1876-1883). (Photo by Imagestate/AFLO)[0902].