Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-05-19
FRIENDS FEL|C|TATE
BISHOP GAMBLER ON
48-YEAR MINISTRY

y
last Tuesday, Bishop Warren A.
Gambler, senior bishop of the Meth
odist Episcopal church, south, and
probably the most beloved figure in
Southern Methodistlsm, was licensed
to preach and, on Saturday, he will
celebrate the twenty-fifth annivers-
airy of his ordination into the
bishopric.
Both anniversaries coming in the
same week, Bishop Gambler has been
showered with congratulations by
laymen and the clergy for the sig
nal service he has rendered for
Christianity in the span Of less than
half a century.
From the lowly but reverent charge
d a circuit rider-in the days when
the earnest pastor rode miles ana
miles through appropriated districts
to carry the word of God, with his
library in one saddle-bag and his
wardrobe in the other-the bishop
has advanced through every phase
Of the ministry and has been crown
ed with every honor in the power OF
southern Methodists.
And now, at the heighth OF his
career, he is looked to by all VINO
know him for sage counsel and has
the love and esteem of all who come
within the radius Of his magnetic
personality. His deep religious pas
sion has inspired many to higher lie
and better ideals and he is regarded
as one of the rocks upon which the
church is founded.
Took Vows at Eighteen
At the age Of eighteen he entered
the ministry and since that day in
May, 1875, when he assumed the
vows of the clergy. he has ever rem
dered distinguished and absorbing
service to the church to whose pr1n-
ciples his life was dedicated.
His first charge was at Sparta
Ga, and there he rendered service
WI ich was recognized by these many
years his @enior. Then he went on
the Watkinsville circuit and after
serving various charges with dis
tinction became editor Of the Chris
tan Advocate. with headquarters
at Nashville, Tenn.
While he was successfully con-.
Quoting the affairs of the Advocate
he was called to the presidency OF
Emory college, at oxford, Ga. With
that great spirit Of personal sacrl-
flee. which has ever marked his
career, he relinquished q position
paving $4,000 a year to take the
presidency of the college at yearly
figure of $1,000. For ten years he
handled the affairs of Emory col
lege with distinction, and it was on
the campus at Oxford that he
dreamed the dream which later be-
came Emory university, destined 10
be one of the greatest educational
institutions in the United States.
At the age of forty-one the SUI
preme honor of southern Methodlsm
was conferred on him, and he was
ordained bishop. His duties in the
bishopric have carried him far from
his native land. To Cuba, Mexico
and even to the Balkan states, in
1909, he has carried the banner OF
his office, and has ever been cen
trail figure at all gatherings where
he was present.
Showed Genius in College
While a student at Emory, Bishop
Gambler showed the earmarks of ex-
ceeding genius, and his work in
the classroom and among the stu
dents was ever an inspiration and
an example. His grafton on the
day when he received his diploma
from Emory is still pointed to with
admiration by Emory men, and his
inspired speech in after, years has
fortified the strongholds of Meth
odism.
When Bishop Gamblers dream of
a Greater Emory was realized,
through a magnanimous gift Of his
brother, Asa G.. Gambler, he was
chosen as it's first chancellor, and
it was his work in those early days
of the institution which has directed
the university's footsteps along high
and lofty channels.
A man of Stupendous intellect;
keen student of human nature; a
thinker of fearless thoughts; and, in
the final analysis, a man whose
heart carries a trimming cup Of love
for all mankind, he has endeared.
himself, as probably few men have,
to his fellows.
Bishop Gambler is now in his sixty
sixth year and still possesses the ro
bust characteristics of his early days.
He is vigorous in the prosecution of
his church's interests and is never
afraid to give to the world any mes
sage which is backed by his convic-
tons.
No more fitting epitome of his life
purpose could be given than the
motto imprinted in the walls of the
dormitory at Oxford
Let us stand by what is good,
And make it better if we can