Born: Warren, Ohio, November 19, 1865.
Died: Des Moines, Iowa, April 24, 1932.

Few preachers among the Disciples of Christ have a wider field of usefulness than has Chas. S. Medbury. It is also true that he meets the obligations of this position with marked ability and faithfulness.

He was the son of Sheldon and Melinda (Sanderson) Medbury. Born at Warren, Ohio, November 19, 1865. Obeyed the gospel under the ministry of Dr. I. A. Thayer at Warren when a lad of thirteen. Education in the public schools of Warren and Cleveland, Ohio, and Eureka College. In early young manhood several years business life in Cleveland, Ohio, Erie, Pennsylvania, and Chicago. Married December 30, 1890, to Anna Laura Pickrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Pickrell, lovingly known to Illinois Discipleship. Earliest preaching done at Nunda and Carlock, Illinois. Following college days accepted first regular pastorate at El Paso, Illinois, January 1,1898. Remained in El Paso four years. The 1st of January, 1897, opened a seven years' pastorate at Angola, Indiana. January 1st, 1904, came to Des Moines, Iowa, to the pastorate of the University Church. In 1898 served as Chaplain of the 157th regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the Spanish-American War.

In 1909 president of the American Christian Missionary Society at the Centennial Convention. In addition to duties of present pastorate has the privileges and obligations of the Chaplaincy of Drake University, which institution granted him the degree Doctor of Divinity in 1909. Lectures each summer in the chautauqua field. Is a member of the Christian Unity Commission of the Disciples of Christ and a member of the Board of Directors of the Christian Board of Publication. Is the author of a series of Bible study textbooks covering in three volumes a course of studies "From Eden to Bethlehem."

Dr. Medbury's preaching has heart power as well as intellect. This makes him eminently fit for pastoral work. His preaching is strongly supplemented by close and sympathetic personal touch with his congregation. His people know him and to know him is to love him. He is the soul of courtesy and kindness, and it is human nature to respond quickly to these qualities.

But Dr. Medbury holds also an important and influential place in the general field of usefulness. His record indicates he is extensively identified with all the important outstanding work of the Disciples. He is not a meteor, flashing a brilliant flame, and then dying out with equal rapidity, but he is a steady and permanent light, shining brighter and brighter as he grows in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Take him all in all Dr. Medbury is one of our greatest pastors and preachers.