Barnett, Samuel Augustus (1844–1913)

English clergyman and social reformer who spent his life preaching and working among the poor in the East End of London. He used music, nonbiblical readings, and art to teach those with no education or religious leanings. He was instrumental in founding the Whitechapel Art Gallery, the Whitechapel public library, and the Toynbee Hall workers' education institution, and also sponsored parliamentary legislation to improve slum housing.

Barnett was born in Bristol and educated at Oxford. In 1867, he moved to London, first as Curate of St Mary, Bryanston Square until 1872 and later as vicar of St Jude's, Whitechapel, 1873–94. He was appointed Canon of Westminster in 1906.