Early Life

Müller was German – he was born in Prussia in 1805. He had a wild youth – he stole from his father, drank and gambled. But in 1825 he had a dramatic conversion and became a sincere Christian. He came over to England in 1829, nearly died from illness, recovered and settled for a while in Teignmouth in Devon. There he met the woman who became his wife, Mary Groves. He got involved in a new Protestant Christian group, the Brethren (originally known as the Plymouth Brethren) and was an early leader in that movement. Then he moved to Bristol in 1832 and was a pastor of Bethesda Chapel in Brandon Hill.

Bristol

Living in a fast-growing polluted city where disease was rife, Müller became very concerned about the many orphans who roamed the streets with no one to look after them.  Müller’s care of orphans began with his renting first one, then several more houses in Wilson Street where he lived. The neighbours complained about the noise the children made, so Müller resolved to build a larger place (an orphanage) for them on the edge of the city. He managed to buy a plot of land for a reduced price in Ashley Down and in 1849 the first home opened. By 1870 he had built 5 orphanages, all large grey stone buildings. He was able to look after 2,000 children at a time (400 on average in each home) and over his lifetime cared for over 10,000 children.

Annual Muller picnic on Purdown, Bristol

Müller’s orphanages provided schooling and health care as well as somewhere to stay. By Victorian standards his methods were very enlightened. Discipline was firm but kind; the children had opportunity to get fresh air and play and they learnt practical skills . There was an annual outing on Müller’s birthday to Purdown. When the teenage children left the orphanage attempted to find apprenticeships for the boys and domestic service for the girls if they were suitable.

Müller practised living by faith and he never had a salary and never asked for money. He prayed fervently and expectantly and as his work was respected and appreciated, many people gave generously. 

Home life

In 1870 Müller’s first wife died and he married Susannah Sanger. Around that time his daughter Lydia married James Wright, who had become Müller’s deputy. George and Susannah then handed the orphanages over to Lydia and James to run, while they concentrated on evangelistic or missionary tours all over the world. This went on till 1892 when he returned to Bristol.

Death and legacy

When he died in 1898 he was buried in Arnos Vale, and no less than 10,000 people paraded the streets and attended his funeral. He has two grave markers, one lying down (the original) and a large black one standing up.  The  black stone marker was placed by many of those he had cared for during his life. 

Funeral procession for George Muller

After his life, his work was continued by The George Müller Foundation, which was renamed The George Müller Charitable Trust on 1 March 2009. The Trust maintains Georges key principle of seeking money through prayer alone and does not actively engage in fund-raising activities.