Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-12-26
DIR. j. WILBUR CHAPMAN,
NOTED EVANGELIST, DEAD
Was Pastor Here and Recently
Moderator of Presbyterian
General Assembly

The Rev. DIR. j. wilbur Chapman. former
pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, this
city. former moderator of the Presbyterian
General Assembly and one OF the most noted
eNangelists in this country. died in Il New
York hospital Christmas morning following
an operation on Monday last.
The funeral services will take place next
Sunday at the Fourth Presbyterian Church,
Of which Doctor Chapman was pastor from
1900 to 1905. Interment will be in Woodlands.
Doctor Chapman started his evangelistic
career in this city. In addition to his
evangelistic campaigns in this country. he
toured China. Japan, India and Australia, in
company with Charles NJ. Alexander, the
singing evangelist. preaching to immense au.
diences wherever he appeared.
outside Of the United States Doctor Chap
man probably met with the most enthusiastic
reception in Australia.
Chapman and Alexander conducted a big
evangelistic campaign in this city a dozen
years ago, which was the most successful
campaign of its kind in Philadelphia had
known, prior to the Billy" Sunday meetings.
Began Career Here
Doctor Chapman was known and esteemed
- VI ulldutllJHlhllS. ne always
referred to his pastorate at Bethany as one
Of the most agreeable experiences in his
career.
In his last published book, The Ministers
Handicap" he said
Bethany Church in Philadelphia at that
time was in some respects the most con-
spiCuous church in the world, not only be-
cause of its large membership. but also be-
cause of its great Sunday school, which was
a 80 l. ,,sN.l-. - aL- To- Tnh,,
Wanamaker, and many times in the Bethany
Sunday school during my pastorate the at
tendance would be quite 5000 scholars on a
sunday. The church was also distinguished
because of its former pastors, especially the
Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, y. D., who was my
Immediate predecessor. 1t was a peoples
church, and its great buildings were throng-
ed at almost every service
Born In Richmond, Ind, June II, 1862, Doc
tor Chapman obtained his A. b. degree at
Lake Forest University, Illinois, in 1879. His
graduation from the Lane Theological Sem
mary followed three years later, and he took
his D.. D.. degree at the University of Wooster
In 1898. An IL. L. degree was conferred
upon him at Heidelberg University, Ohio, In
1910. His first p%astorate was the First Re-
formed Church In Albany, from which he
came to Bethany Church.
Coaches BILLY" Sunday
He was associated with Billy Sunday
upon numerous occasions and knew him prob
ably better than any one except "Billy's'
wife, he often said. In an interview concern
ing his friendship and stewardship for Sun
day, he said:
~ knew Billy before he knew how to
pray. l gave him his first sermon, and
1t was a fatal thing to do, because l could
never use 1t again. I tried to use 1t once
and a mar accused me of stealing 'Bllly's'
stuff. ]. perhaps, am more responsible than
any one else for Billy becoming a preacher.
and l consider it the greatest thing God ever
permitted me to do. ! know him better. prob
ably. 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 char
acteristic of Doctor Chapman, for he took
an exceedingly fond interest in many men
and their personal affairs.
Doctor Chapman carried this personal
touch into his evangelistic work. Many are
the stories of his personal solicitation winning
recruits for the Church.
Beginning his pastorate at Bethany in 1890,
he left after a few years to engage In evan
gelistic work, going on a tour which took
him to many sections Of the country. He re.
turned to this city in 1895 to resume his
passionate at Bethany Church, continuing
there until 1900, when he accepted n call to
the Fourth Presbyterian Church, New York.
Doctor Chapman resembled a successful busl-
ness man, rather than a preacher. and he
preached with an intense earnestness which
commanded the. respectful attention of men
and women everywhere. Thousands Joined
the Church as a result of his preaching. He
delivered addresses at meetings in cities from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, and always at
tracted big audiences.
He was elected Moderator of the 10th
General Assembly in May, 1917. this being
the highest honor the Presbyterian Church
can bestow upon one of its ministers.
As executive secretary of the General AS
sembly's on Evangelistic Work,
and OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OF the Commits
sion on Evangelism, Doctor Chapman gave
great impetus to the evangelistic activities of
the Presbyterian Church. At one time, hi
organized missionary parties for Australia
and other countries.
Aided Nation In War
Doctor Chapman was enthusiastic for win
ming the wal. His son. Captain j. Wilbur
Chapman, Jr, after three unsuccessful at.
tempts to enlist finally passed his physical
examination and was assigned to field re,
mount squadron Nc. 220. He Ii still in the
service. Doctor Chapman travelled about tho
country. arousing enthusiasm for the war.
The evangelist Is survived by his widow