W. B. CRAIG.

      Was born at St. John, New Brunswick, December 7, 1846, of Scotch-Irish parentage. His father, Dr. William Craig, was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, the county in which Alexander Campbell was born. His mother was an Episcopalian, and his early memories and influences are of that church.

      Mr. Craig never heard of the disciples of Christ until he was twenty-one years of age. In 1867 he went to Chicago, where he heard D. P. Henderson preach. He had become skeptical, but the preaching of Mr. Henderson aroused interest and caused him to study the neglected Bible, with the result that he soon [473] confessed faith in Christ, and became an enthusiastic worker. He united with the North Side Church in Chicago. Although long prejudiced and opposed to preachers, young Craig began to feel that the ministry was the only work that could command all his heart and mind.

      Through the influence of John C. Hay, the minister at Iowa City, Iowa, Mr. Craig became acquainted with John W. Porter and family, became one of the household, and in four years graduated from the University of Iowa, taking the A. B. degree. He then attended Yale Theological Seminary for two years, meanwhile preaching for the church at Danbury, Conn. He was then called to Chicago to succeed Isaac Errett, but from a grateful sense of duty chose to take up the work at Iowa City, Iowa, when the work was at a low ebb. Here he spent a ministry of nearly seven years.

      In January, 1882, he began his work in Denver, Colo., as minister of the Central Church. His coming to Denver marked the beginning of a great forward movement for the disciples of Christ, not only in the capital city, but also throughout the entire state. At that time we had but one house of worship in the entire state, that at Golden. The church in Denver was worshiping in a hall. In 1882 Loveland built a house. In a little more than one year from the arrival of Mr. Craig in Denver the Central Church dedicated a property on Broadway worth $33,000. This was made possible through the gift of $10,000 from Governor and Mrs. John L. Routt, which was secured by Mr. Craig.

      Immediately following the dedication of the Central building, the Colorado Christian Missionary Convention was organized, and Mr. Craig was made president. In this capacity he served six years. He gave much time and study to the state work, arousing enthusiasm and raising liberal gifts for its support. For years he was the conspicuous figure and leader in that work. To his wise planning and his energy much of the success of the work then and now is due.

      After a delightful ministry of almost seven years, Mr. Craig resigned from the Central Church, intending to take up his residence in California. He and his family spent the winter in Pasadena, returning in May, 1889, to close up their affairs in Colorado. In the autumn of 1889, in company with B. W. Johnson, D. R. Dungan and others, Mr. Craig visited the Holy Land. In the winter of 1889-1890, as he was about to start for California, having even sent a part of his household effects to the depot, John C. Sutton, a member of the Central Church, offered to give $10,000 if Mr. Craig would remain in Denver and plant a church out South Broadway. Reluctantly, but in obedience to plain duty, the plans for the California residence were given up, and Mr. Craig put in his time while "Uncle John" Sutton put his money into the great enterprise. Having been blessed in things material, and feeling a deep sense of gratitude to God for his goodness, Mr. Craig served the South Broadway Church without salary. In June, 1892, the best structure owned by the disciples in Colorado was opened for worship. In that same year the church membership, which was thirty-seven in 1890, had grown to nearly four hundred, and the Sunday school had eight hundred members. In November, 1893, Mr. Craig resigned, accepting the work in San Antonio, Texas.

      In June, 1897, Mr. Craig was called to the chancellorship of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, and served that institution five years. During this time the enrollment of students was doubled, and the university was more thoroughly organized than before.

      Closing his work at Drake in June, 1902, Mr. Craig returned to the state of his love, Colorado, and in October accepted the ministry of the Central Church of Pueblo. Here his influence was quickly felt, not only in the improved condition of the church, but also throughout the city.

      After nine months' effective work in Pueblo, a very unexpected but plain call of duty became urgent, and, as in 1890, when about to remove to California, it crossed all human plans. It seemed plainly Mr. Craig's duty to accept again the ministry of the Central Church of Denver, and he began his work September 1, 1903. Denver and Colorado are glad to have him again within their borders. He has given some of the best years of his life to the cause in this state, and has here achieved some of his greatest successes.

      While a very practical man, Mr. Craig's scholarship ranks high. He has received the degree of A. M. from the University of Iowa, D. D. from the University of Colorado, and LL. D. from Drake University. [474]

[COC 473-474]