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Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), or Pastor Russell, was a prominent early 20th century Christian restorationist minister from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA and founder of what is now known as the Bible Student movement,[1][2] from which Jehovah's Witnesses and numerous independent Bible Student groups emerged after his death.

After Russell's death, a leadership crisis arose surrounding the new president of the Society, Joseph Rutherford, resulting in a movement-wide schism. As many as three-quarters of the approximately 50,000[11] Bible Students who had been associating in 1917 had left by 1931,[12] resulting in the formation of several groups that retained variations on the name Bible Students. Those who maintained fellowship with the Watch Tower Society adopted the name Jehovah's witnesses in 1931, while those who severed ties with the Society formed their own groups including the Pastoral Bible Institute in 1918, the Layman's Home Missionary Movement in 1919, and the Dawn Bible Students Association in 1929.

With the formation of the Watch Tower Society, Russell's ministry intensified. His Bible study group had grown to hundreds of local members, with followers throughout New England, the Virginias, Ohio, and elsewhere, who annually re-elected him Pastor , and commonly referred to him as Pastor Russell . Congregations that eventually formed in other nations also followed this tradition.[38][39]

Charles Taze Russell as a young man took a vow of celibacy. It was not long before his enemies in other sects began to spread false rumors about him, and the women who worked at the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. In 1879 Pastor Russell married one Maria Russell, a friend in the faith. Pastor Russell was truly ahead of his time in the way in which he allowed his wife to serve as his help mate. She wrote articles on biblical topics in the Watchtower Magazine and served as one of his advisors. In fact, he was criticized by others for allowing her such a role. After growing unhappy in their relationship, Mrs. Russell filed for separation. In spite of making damaging and unproven accusations towards her husband, Pastor Russell continued to financially support her, and even made provisions for her in his will.