Charles Simeon of Cambridge was a man of great influence. He was a friend and contemporary of William Wilberforce and closely linked with what became known as the Clapham sect. He was vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, for over 50 years. He played a key role in founding the Bible Society and the Church Mission Society. Further, he was the first to see the need for formal theological training for ordinands. The Cambridge Inter-collegiate Christian Union (CICCU) traces its history back to Simeon even though he died 40 years before it was founded. From this, an evangelical ministry among students is now established in 160 nations.