Charles Morton Birrell (1810-88) was originally from Scotland. He was converted through the ministry of William Knibb and trained for the ministry at Stepney Academy in 1832-33. He served as pastor of the Pembroke Chapel, Liverpool, from 1838-72. At various times he also served as part-time secretary, as well as one term as President, of the Baptist Union, and was instrumental in the founding of the Baptist Annuity in 1882.