Name: Strong, The Reverend Dr. Charles Henry
Burial Date: 1909, 09/09
Age at Death: 60
Plot Location: 563 G
Notes: husband of Emma (Blair)
Charles Henry Strong was born near Bloomington, Ind., December 20, 1848, and died at Sterling, Kansas, September 6, 1909, aged 60 years, 8 months, 17 days.
He was of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, Samuel Strong, came of South Carolina stock, having emigrated to the north because, of his hatred of slavery. His mother’s maiden name was Letitia Weir. The Strong and Weir families bore a part in early national history, participating in the Revolutionary War.
He was educated at the University of Indiana, graduating in 1872, studied theology at Xenia Seminary, and was licensed to preach by Princeton Presbytery, April 20, 1875. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Garnett and installed as pastor of Garnett congregation April 5, 1876. This pastorate he held until April 9, 1890.
His second charge was Lawrence, KS, which he held from September 1, 1890, until August 3, 1893. When the First and second churches of Sterling United October 12, 1896, he was called by the new organization and served as pastor until June 27, 1909. The periods of pastoral oversight have been at Sterling, 3 years; Sterling united congregation, 12 years 8 months. His total years of service in the ministry have been 34 years. He was a resident of Sterling 16 years and 5 days. The honorary degree, Doctor of Divinity was conferred by Tarkio College in 1896. Dr. Strong was chosen Moderator of the Synod of Kansas in 1886.
He was the author of a number of pamphlets and in 1880 prepared a volume entitled “A Brief Sketch of the Waldenses.” He was married April 27, 1876, to Miss Emma Blair, of Bloomington, Ind. To them was born one daughter, Emma Vera. Wife and daughter survive him. A brother, Samuel of Grant, Wash., and a sister Mrs. Sarah McDonald, of Paxton, Ill., are the only living members of his father’s family. He was under appointment to take up work at Weiser, Idaho, October 1, but God has willed to assign him to heavenly service. He was a man of talent and exercised his gifts in many directions. But his life ambition and overmastering desire were to preach the Gospel and make full proof of his ministry. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God, nay it was his delight as a God-anointed prophet. To him, the page of Scripture glowed with holy light which shone more and more unto the fay of his coronation. He constantly brought forth things new and old from the treasury of truth. This was possible because he searched the Scriptures. The Word was indeed his meditation day and night. A multitude of people not a few ministers among the number, owe to him a better understanding of difficult texts and doctrines. He had a grasp upon the Book in its entirety and larger content. His expositions of Genesis and of the Apocalypse finely illustrate the sweep of his mind and his method of study. It is to be hoped that his studies may be put into permanent form so that they may be available for Bible students at large.
His preaching was evangelistic and imbued with a missionary spirit. He presented the gospel message in a manner so direct, so reasonable, so earnest, the his labors as an evangelist were much sought after.
He took a leading part in the temperance affairs of the state. Both in the battle for a state-wide prohibition of the liquor traffic by constitutional provision and legislative enactment and in the enforcement of the prohibitory law he was prominent. The full recognition of the divine law in political life was a prime tenet of his belief and teaching.
He was deeply interested in education. He struggled hard, and at first unsuccessfully, for the establishment of a United Presbyterian college in Kansas. When Cooper College was founded he became a member of its governing body and exercised a large influence in the selection of the first teaching force. He has always been in touch with the institution, both officially as a member of the Senate for 22 years, and active sympathy and support.
Blest with rare insight into human nature and its needs, he was tender as a pastor and beloved of all as a friend. Openhearted, absolutely sincere, practicing always the golden rule, with charity for all, his life was a gospel read by all men. In the home, his presence was a blessing. Good cheer, wholesome counsel, seasonable and instructive conversation, were dispensed by him wherever he went. His family life was ideal. Ineffably sweet and tender as husband and father, the wife and daughter have in him given to heaven their choicest treasure.
He magnified man’s possibilities. He thought life worthwhile and right royally lived it. Triumphing over infirmities, rejoicing in an al sufficient strength, he knew in whom he believed and won his crown. He bequeaths to his family, to his brother ministers, to his congregation, to his numberless friends and to all who have known him, an example of Christian manhood, an inspiration of holy living and unselfish serving.
Tribute by Rev. G. B. McCreary.
| Birth: | 1848 |
| Death: | 1909 |
Family links: Children: *Calculated relationship |
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| Burial: Sterling Cemetery Sterling Rice County Kansas, USA Plot: 563 G |
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| Created by: Lawcas Record added: Jan 24, 2013 Find A Grave Memorial# 104102228 |
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