In June 1871 at an International Sunday School Convention in Indianapolis , Indiana , Dwight Moody met Ira D. Sankey . He was a gospel singer , with whom Moody soon began to cooperate and collaborate . Four months later , in October 1871 , the Great Chicago Fire destroyed Moody 's church building , as well as his house and those of most of his congregation . Many had to flee the flames , saving only their lives , and ending up completely destitute . Moody , reporting on the disaster , said about his own situation that : " ... he saved nothing but his reputation and his Bible . " In the years after the fire , Moody 's wealthy Chicago patron John V. Farwell tried to persuade him to make his permanent home in the city , offering to build a new house for Moody and his family . But the newly famous Moody , also sought by supporters in New York , Philadelphia , and elsewhere , chose a tranquil farm he had purchased near his birthplace in Northfield , Massachusetts . He felt he could better recover in a rural setting from his lengthy preaching trips
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Dwight L. Moody