Evening journal., 1918-12-26
]. WILBUR CHAPMAN,
EVANGELIST, DEAD
Succumbs Suddenly During
Relapse After Operation
in Sanitarium
KNOWN TO MANY
WiLMiNCTONIANS

Or J. Wilbur Chapman, the pictur-
esque Presbyterian evangelist, who was
known throughout the world died in
New York early Christmas morning.
His wife. who had been constantly at
his bedside, was with him when the end
came. DR. Chapman was operated upon
Monday, in Dr. Dumas Sanitarium, i56
West Seventy-fourth street, New York,
and was improving until early yester-
day morning. when he suffered re-
lapse and soon died.
DR.. Chapman's career began In 1882,
when he was graduated from the Lane
Theological Seminary and almost i'm
mediately thereafter was ordained in
the Presbyterian ministry.
He was associated with Billy Sunday
upon numerous occasions and knew
him probably better than any one ex-
cept Billy's wife, he often said. An in
teryiev with DR.. Chapman regarding his
friendship and stewardship for the
famed evangelist given at Billy's last
meeting in New York is recalled.
Il knew Billy before he knew how
10 pray" he said, as he put an arm
around Billy's shoulders. II gave him
his first sermon and II was fatal thing
TO do because | could never use II
again. ! tried 10 use il once and a
man accused me Of stealing Bllly's stun
| perhaps am more responsible than
any one else except his wife, and know
how honest, how sincere and how great
he really is"
This personal interest seemed to be
characteristic Of Or. Chapman, for he
took an exceedingly fond interest In
many men and their personal affairs.
When the friends Of Robert Emerson
Davie. the boy Broker who disap-
reared In 1910, were losing faith in
him. Or. Chapman was stcadfast. Hel
assisted him not only spiritually but
financially and often declared that the
youngster was "a great JOY TO me-"
Dr. Chapman carried this personal
touch into his evangelistic work. Many
are the stories related OF his personal
solicitation winning recruits for the
Cross. As an evangelist he was very
successful. Thousands Of converts
were made through his revelations and
pleadlngs. He preached In his whole
hearted manner from coast 10 coast and
at one time organized missionary par
ties for Australia and other countries.
His work grew to such proportions as
20 necessltate his resignation from the
Fourth Church, his pastorate In New
York in 1902 He then established a
missionary headquarters 10 stimulate
his faith among the unchurched and
maintained the work until his recent
illness.
In addition to his evangelistic cam
paigns in this country, he toured China,
Japan, India and Australia, in company
with Charles NJ. Alexander, the singing
evangelist. preaching to immense audi
ences wherever he appeared.
Outside of the United States Doctor
Chapman probably met with the most
enthusiastic reception in Australia. Doc
tor Chapman was known TO and es-
teemed by thousands OF Wilmington
ians.
Though a robust man Or. Chapman
suffered many illnesses. This was a
third operation, two others having
been performed for the elimination OF
gall stones. His life was almost for
feited in 1903 when by mistake he was
poisoned with bromide administered
instead Of tonic he was taking. the
bottles were mixed.
He was married three times. His first
wife. Irene Z. Steddon. and his second,
Agnes Pruyn Strain, are both dead. His
third was Mabel Cornelia Moulton.
Or. Chapman was enthusiastic for
winning the war. His son, Capt J
Wilbur Chapman, Jr.. after three UNI
successful attempts to enlist. finally
passed his physical examination and
was assigned to Field Remount Squad
ron. No. $50, and is still in the service.
n ~ tho COfln-
try arousing enthusiasm for the war
DR.. Chapman was born in Richmond,
Ind. June 81. 1859 He got his A. b.
degree at Lake Forest University, I'LL
nois, in 1879. His graduation from the
Lane Theological Seminary followed
three years later and he took his ID. ID.
degree at the University OF Wooster, IN
1898. An L. d. degree was conferred
upon him at Heidelberg University,
Ohio, In 1910.
His FIRST pastorate was the First Re
formed Church In Albany; then the
Bethany Presbyterian Church, Philadel-
phia. Several years of evangelistie
work followed his departure from
Philadelphia and then he returned to
his church, later taking the pulpit OF
the Fourth Church there.
lie was also dutilOT OF many lclltlouo
works. His home was In Jamaica, l.. /.
Dr. Chapman, in recent months, had
devoted himself entirely to the New
Era Movement OF the Presbyterian
Church, of which he was vice-chairman
and active executive head in charge OF
the STAFF at i56 Fifth avenue, New York.
He had planned to conduct personally a
great series Of evangelistic campaigns
in many OF the big cities Of the coun-
try the coming year.
The funeral services will take place
next Sunday at the Fourth Presbyterian
Church, Philadelphia, OF which Doctor
Chapman was pastor from 1900 to 1905.