Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

Page 10 text:

C. W. HEISLER, D. D. N THE little town of Minersville, in the year 1857, Rev. C. W. Heisler was born. His parents, Rev. W. L. and Mrs. S. H. Heisler, with due respect for God ' s Word and Holy Ordinances, early presented him before the altar, where, by the hand of the late Dr. Sheeleigh, the water from the baptismal font was sprinkled upon his brow. His early life was spent in Jersey Shore, Salona and Mifflinburg. While quite a child he exhibited a passion for books, and a spirit of concentration beyond his years. Before he was eleven years old he was a pupil of Rev. E. Studebaker at the Salona Academy, taking higher English and Latin with young ladies and young gentlemen. With an application which is only found in a natural student, he devoted himself to his books, sacrificing the desire for boyish pleasures, until the constant mental strain undermined his health, compelling him to leave school in 1868. After a brief rest he began clerking, and soon engaged in business for himself. While thus employed he did not forget the studious habits of his earlier days, but with characteristic energy labored at his books, until at the age of seventeen he was able to pass the teachers ' examination with a high grade, and enter upon a career more congenial to his nature. This vocation he followed successfully two years, in the mean- time preparing himself for college. On January 4, 1877, the happy day of his matriculation arrived, and C. W. Heisler was enrolled as a Freshman in Pennsylvania College, having prepared for entering at that point unaided, save for a few weeks tutoring which he received in ' 76. Here his former zeal did not forsake him, for when the second term closed, he stood without a rival at the head of his class. In the Sophomore year he began to contribute for the college monthly, and was awarded a dictionary as a first prize, and received honorable mention for the second prize in the same competition. Again health began to desert a none too rugged frame, but despite its treacherous desertions, he won the Eatin gold medal in Junior year, and the following year was chosen Biennial Orator, and graduated with the first honor and the valedictory. — s —

Page 9 text:

Rev. C. W. Heisler, D. D.

Page 11 text:

He at once entered the Gettysburg Seminary, and for two years acted as tutor in the preparatory depart- ment of the college. He graduated in ' 83, and was called immediately to the Belleville charge, which he suc- cessfully served until appointed by the Home Mission Board to the position of missionary at Los Angeles, Cal. He at once went west, and organized the congregation which now has the most artistic church in the city, with a church property worth $23,000. Compelled by ill health to leave the sunny slopes of the Pacific, he accepted a call to Colorado Springs, but after five month ' s labor in the new field he was transferred by the Home Mission Board to the pastorate of St. Paul ' s Lutheran Church, at Denver, Colorado. Rev. Heisler was early drawn into general religious work, and while at Los Angeles was president of the Ministerial Alliance for several terms, as well as lecturer at the Y. M. C. A. and kindred organizations. In Denver he was drawn into the general lecture field, and was called to speak on a variety of topics throughout the state. When the Anti-Saloon League of Colorado was organized he was chosen as the first superintendent, show- ing that the churches had full confidence in his leadership. For several years he lias had charge of the normal Bible work of the Rocky Mountain Chautauqua, at Palmer Lake, Colorado, and has served in the same capacity the Rock River Assembly, at Dixon, Illinois. In June, 1899, he was approached with reference to assuming the presidency of Susquehanna University. After much prayer and deliberation the position was accepted, and on November 16th of the same year he assumed charge. In June, 1900, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on him by Wittenburg College. Dr. Heisler has proven himself to be a competent leader and a devoted, capable teacher, not only within the college walls, but throughout our whole state. He is kept constantly before the public, and has not failed to instruct and edifj ' those who hear him. •9 —