Brown preached in various cities throughout the United States, including Portland, Oregon and Oak Park, Illinois from 1883 to 1895.
Over time, Brown communicated with Roman Catholic, Jewish, and Greek Orthodox leaders, in addition to such influential Protestant clergymen as Henry Sloane Coffin, Nathan Söderblom, and John R. Mott.
In addition, members of European and Asian royalty, including Chinese general and self-proclaimed emperor, Yuan Shikai, were in communication with Brown.
Overall, Brown will be remembered as a pioneer in the ecumenical and world missionary movements of the 19th and 20th centuries and was an individual who was active in and out of the church.
As noted, Brown was appointed as a life elector for the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, serving from 1915–1963, a period of 48 years.