H. O. Breeden.

      The subject of this sketch was born in Mason county, Illinois, April 18, 1857. He is the eldest son of Dr. J. H. and Sarah Breeden, of Ipava, Ill.

      H. O. Breeden attended the public schools until fifteen years of age when he entered Abingdon College, Illinois. About, this time he united with the Church of Christ under his father's preaching. He attended college for two years, and then spent one and a half years in mercantile business with his father, at Summum, Ill. He entered Eureka College in 1876 and graduated at the age of twenty-one, with the degree of A. B. Later he received the A. M. degree from his Alma Mater, and the LL. D. from Drake University. Just after leaving college he preached a sermon for the church at Tallula, Ill., and was prevailed upon to become its minister, beginning his work September 1, 1878.

      October 21, 1879, he was married to Miss Flora K. Myers. Am only child, Bernard M., was born to them, who is now a successful business man in San Francisco. Mr. Breeden remained at Tallula three years and attracted the attention of other churches for his very successful work. He accepted a call to Terre Haute, Ind., where he remained four years. The records say, "The church and all its work grew rapidly, and missions were successfully established." He came to the Central Church at DeMoines at, the earnest desire of the church, and on December 1, 1903, had continuously filled all almost ideal ministry of eighteen years, phenomenally successful, happy and harmonious.

      Mr. Breeden is six feet three inches tall, of commanding appearance, broad shouldered and erect dark complected, with sparkling black eyes, that keenly search the faces of his audience when speaking. He has self-poise, an easy, winning manner, and possesses an unusual degree of magnetic power, so essential to a public speaker. His voice is flexible and sympathetic. He speaks in a conversational tone, without notes, and easily holds the close attention of his immense audiences. His vigor of thought and keen logic pour forth in a spontaneous fervor, eloquent, convincing and earnest. He is classed with the scholars and orators of the church. The peculiar quality [472] of Mr. Breeden's strong personality is a certain equalizing of strength of character, which is almost unique. There are no extravagances or exaggerations in particular directions. He is probably surpassed by some orators in the brotherhood. He is equaled by some ministers, approached by some organizers, and probably excelled by some scholars; but in the combination of all these high qualities he stands absolutely alone. He can do every thing a minister is called to do, and do it exceptionally well.

      He has sagacity, quickness of judgment, judicial insight, is a, born leader and organizer. He possesses the tact and temperament to meet and deal with people in such a way as to stimulate to best efforts, and inspire helpful and heroic living. He does not say "go," but "come."He is in close, sympathetic touch with his congregation, socially and in business life. He is a tireless worker; conceives and executes new and greater plans, and sees success that is scarcely comprehended by less progressive men. Few possess the gift of winning friends to a greater degree. There is a broad sympathetic kindliness constantly diffusing through his whole life, which is pre-eminently a part of him. His universal popularity can be readily understood. He can be austere and steadfast to a purpose, even severe, when occasion demands, but this is not his natural manner. He is a loving, devoted friend, warm hearted, with a ready, generous hand that knows no limit. He is deeply religious, devoted to his work, and strong in faith.

      Mr. Breeden has always been known as an enthusiast in the cause of missions. He is an inspiration to his church, and to this contagious zeal and energy is due the fact the Central leads in all missionary work in the brotherhood. The "Living Link" originated with him, and his church sent out the first missionaries under the special care and maintenance of the local church. Now the Central supports three. Mr. and Mrs. Guy, in Japan, Dr. Ada McNeil, in India, and a former minister, John C. Hay, in Southern California. In an address before the General Convention at Minneapolis in 1901, Mr. Breeden suggested the wisdom of an evangelistic board. This idea became an actuality, with him as its president, at the Detroit Convention in 1903.

      To Mr. Breeden's far-sightedness, undaunted courage and energy was due the building of the magnificent church, soon after becoming its minister. This church will stand "until its walls crumble to dust" as his monument, a memorial to him and his labors of love. When he came to the Central it had a membership of three hundred; now there are between thirteen and fourteen hundred. He has officiated at over eight hundred weddings, conducted more than a thousand funerals, and four thousand have been added to the church. The work he has accomplished through the Central Church has a position of the greatest significance in the history of the church in general, and a wonderful power in the city. For some years it has been known as a successful institutional church. Mr. Breeden has had most tempting offers by other churches and educational institutions far and near, but the ties and associations between minister and people are too strong and sacred to sever easily, for the best years of his strong, vigorous manhood have been wrought with this people; his popularity has increased, and the links that bind become more firmly welded, the associations nearer and dearer, as the "years are going by." He is enshrined in the hearts of his people, who honor, reverence, trust and affectionately cherish him for himself, for the high ideals he maintains, his literary attainments, nobility of purpose and devoted, sacrificing life, for the church and the cause of Christ everywhere. The one universal prayer is for continued helpful, happy service together through unnumbered years.

[COC 472-473]