Phillips Brooks, considered by many to be the predominant preacher of the 19th century, died on this day in history.

As the Rector of Boston's Trinity Church, his sermons were reprinted in over two hundred newspapers weekly. Helen Keller was a regular parishioner, and a personal friend of his. He was a frequent speaker at his alma mater, Harvard, and served as one of its rotating pastors and led morning prayers there.

He died of diphtheria at age 57. The day of his funeral, the Boston Stock Exchange and city stores closed in mourning. Harvard students were his pallbearers as the heavy casket journeyed from Trinity Church through Harvard Yard to Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Brooks is memorialized by the operation of Brooks House, Harvard's center for religious community and study.