Frank Wakely Gunsaulus

              Frank Wakely Gunsaulus

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SUBJECTS OF LECTURES



A Chapter in the History of Liberty


Savonarola


The Later Eloquence of Puritanism


The War Against War (Preferred for 1913-14)


Oliver Cromwell and His Times


The Higher Ministry of Poetry


Rembrandt As An Interpreter of the Gospel with Stereopticon Reproductions of Fifty of His Masterpieces


Robert Browning, the Poet


The Next Step in Education


Gladstone






Frank Wakely Gunsaulus



F
RANK WAKELY GUNSAULUS is a native of the Buckeye State, as are a number of our famous men.  He was born in Chesterville, Morrow County, on New Years Day, 1856.  His father was Hon.  Joseph Gunsaulus of Spanish descent, and his mother a Hawley, came from English stock.




Mr. Gunsaulus went to the Ohio Wesleyan University for his education, and was graduated at the extremely early age of nineteen.  In the year of graduation he married and began preaching in the M. E. Church in Columbus, Ohio, and later occupied the High Street Congregational pulpit of the same city in 1881.  Breaking down in health, he later accepted a call to Newtonville, Mass., remaining there from 1883 to 1885, when he went to the Brown Memorial Church, Baltimore, Md., where he received the summons which called him to Chicago in 1887.  He was pastor of Plymouth Church for nearly twelve years, when at the urgent solicitations of the Board of Trustees of Central Church, he accepted the call to the vacant pulpit of Prof. Swing, and since 1899 has held that pastorate.




In 1892 Mr. Armour built the Armour Institute and placed Dr. Gunsaulus at its head as President, which office he still holds in connection with the work at Central Church.




In 1887 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon Dr. Gunsaulus by Beloit College, Wis.  In 1890 he was made Divinity Lecturer at Yale University, and in 1896 Professorial Lecturer at the University of Chicago, which chair he still holds.  Dr. Gunsaulus is perhaps the most widely known alumnus of Ohio Wesleyan.




Besides his work in connection with two flourishing institutions, he has taken time to lecture and write several books.  His first book of sermons was published in 1881 and was called 
October at Eastwood;
 
Transfiguration of Christ,
 published in 1886; 
Monk and Knight, an historical romance,
 in 1891; 
Loose Leaves of Song,
 1863; 
Songs of Night and Day,
 1895; 
Gladstone, the Man and His Times,
 1898; 
Man of Galilee,
 1899.  To these works may be added essays, editorials, art sketches and poems.  None of his lectures are in published form.





COMMENDATION
The Higher Ministry of the Poets



Topeka Capital Topeka, Kansas


In his fourth and closing lecture on the religious impulse of modern poetry this morning, Dr. Gunsaulus gathered up the straying ideas of the preceding lectures, and studied them in the utterances of the greatest poet since John Milton.  Many readers of Browning feel but cannot express their impressions of his poetry.  Dr. Gunsaulus put into words those impressions for them.  Browning is the Angelo, as Tennyson is the Raphael, of modern English poetry.  He saw and expressed the power of holiness, as Tennyson saw its beauty.  He introduces his readers to the eternity which is the complete soul of all time.  He wrote not for popularity, but for truth.  His theology is not aestheticism; he sees heaven as John saw it, with the redeemed walking in glory.  He realizes Christ not as an incident of history, but as an essentiality.




Denver Republican Denver, Colorado


Nothing less than genius in thought and its expression could have imparted to discussion of poetry the fascination visible in the vast audiences that, each day increased, greeted the distinguished orator, Dr. Gunsaulus.  These arguments were beyond comparison.  Though on a plane far above the common level, and understanding was tasked to follow the thought, yet the consciousness of its greatness was subtly strong to compel listening intensely.  The minor things of poetry, measure, verse-forms, etc., which engross and enslave minor critics, were wholly unconsidered.  Only the great elements of thought and spirit—beautiful yet vital—that beamed through Shelley, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Arnold, Tennyson and Browning in their struggles with the great problems, and sweeping the gamut from gloom and doubt to faith and light, were examined and compared, together with the effect on the world of thought.  Undoubtedly more students of poetry left the Assembly than went there.



COMMENDATION

The Home Record Leavenworth, Kansas


In thoughtfully reviewing those who appeared before the Ottawa Assembly, I think of no one man who gave as much delight and satisfaction, and whose influence will be as far-reaching, as Dr. Gunsaulus…  The statement has been made that more people came to the Assembly to hear Dr. Gunsaulus lecture on 'The Modern Poets,' than for any other object.




Oliver Cromwell



The Chautauquan


One of the most eloquent and elevating passages heard from the Chautauqua platform was the peroration of Dr. Gunsaulus' lecture on Oliver Cromwell.  The series of five lectures by this master of the metempsychosis of history is to be closed this afternoon with the lecture on the 'Americanism of Washington.'  They are independent but connected discourses which ought to be published in book form.




The Nationalist Manhattan, Kansas


Dr. Gunsaulus' closing was a fitting climax to the address; it was splendid in its diction and striking in its eloquent summing up of the results that have come from Oliver Cromwell's influence in history.




Morning Oregonian Portland, Oregon


Possessed of a magnificent physique, a face in which is mirrored every thought evolved in that masterful mind, a determined, unerring delivery, and a rich, powerful voice, whose inflection and intonations are foremost in conveying his ideas to his audience, Dr. Gunsaulus is by nature adapted to the great work to which he has devoted himself.  From the standpoint of mental attainments, Dr. Gunsaulus is even more admirable, as was demonstrated by the depth of thought with which his lecture was colored.




Prof. N. N. Riddell




After a careful, critical study and comparison of the power, style, and eloquence of America's most famous preachers and lecturers, I do not hesitate to say that for originality of style, precision of speech and magnetic power, Frank Gunsaulus is without a superior, and I question if he has an equal on the American platform.





The Next Step in Education



Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois



He held his vast audience of over 3,000 people to the end in absolute silence and attention.  His subject, 'The Next Step in Education,' was a plea for the smaller college and the Kindergarten, and it was certainly an able and eloquent one.


The day of materialism is past, and the time of spirit and vision is here.  The esoteric meaning of the entire address was, the next step in education for the young man or woman just closing his or her books, is to learn their own power of brain, heart and hand, and train them to the upbuilding of a noble character, to get close to nature, and understand her subtle forces, thereby getting nearer to God.





Sun Richmond, Indiana


The Coliseum was packed last night at the opening of the first of the regular sessions.  The speaker, Rev. Dr. F. W. Gunsaulus, of the Armour Institute and Central Church of Chicago, was the drawing card, and it may be said without the least exaggeration that it was the finest speech ever delivered in Richmond by any man upon any subject.




Michigan City Despatch Michigan City, Ind.



Dr. Gunsaulus said he was here with the firm conviction that the new education, or the next step in education, is the most commanding fact before the human race…  He argued that the new education must have more of man in it and it must do more for man.  The Kindergarten system and Manuel Training was extolled by the speaker.  The address was one of the most eloquent ever heard on such an occasion here, and was a masterful presentation of the doctor's theory.



While this was Dr. Gunsaulus' fourth appearance on the lecture platform in Syracuse, he was stronger in the hearts of the people than ever before.  His theme was 'The Next Step in Education,' and for an hour he spoke as never man spoke before in Syracuse.






Gladstone



The Northfield Independent Northfield, Minn.



Dr. Gunsaulus is a pleasing speaker, being clearly and easily heard; his topic was an interesting one, and was handled in so able a manner as to hold undivided attention for two hours, and when he ceased speaking and sat down there was a feeling that one would have been glad to have him continue.


It is not worth while to attempt any review of such a lecture, for any such attempt must necessarily be so inadequate as to be very unsatisfactory.  To have heard such a lecture was a rare treat, and to have had the character of Gladstone presented in such a manner was an inspiration to higher and better living.





Times Rochester, N. Y.


In his new lecture on 'Gladstone,' Dr. F. W. Gunsaulus realized every promise made by his previous successes, and portrayed a powerful pen-picture of the 'Grand Old Man.'  In his climaxes he displayed a vigor and strength calculated to carry his audience by storm.  The lecture was a literary production of the highest merit.





Savonarola



Daily News Austin, Minn.


The subject 'Savonarola' may or may not have been one of previous interest to the entire audience which greeted the speaker, but with Dr. Gunsaulus, in his earnest, powerful manner, and his clear-cut sentences, every one of which added weight, it became one of marked interest to all.




Gazette Northfield, Minn.


Dr. Gunsaulus, as is well known, has a way of getting and keeping his listeners throughout his discourse, and will always be welcomed by Northfield people.



COMMENDATION

Battle Creek Daily Journal Battle Creek, Mich.


Dr. Gunsaulus was introduced and launched into his chosen subject, 'Savonarola,' the famous preacher and religious and political reformer.  Dr. Gunsaulus easily held the vast audience spell-bound with the power of his eloquence and nobility of his sentiment.  The catholic and christian spirit which tinged the lecturer's words was a message to his hearers that they might be ennobled and elevated by the same thoughts and aspirations, and especially did Dr. Gunsaulus address his remarks to young men and students in the audience.



Green Bay, Wis.


The lecture itself filled every promise made for Dr. Gunsaulus and his fame as an orator.  His power of description is wonderful, and was used to good effect in depicting the conditions which prevailed in Italy when Savonarola began his work for Italy and the civilized world.




The Ideal of Culture



Milwaukee Sentinel Milwaukee, Wis.


It is impossible, in the limited confines of a newspaper article, to do full justice to the lecture or give the readers of the Sentinel a precise and full account of the address on 'The Ideal of Culture.'  The attempt to do so would be a belittlement of the genius of the speaker, and an erroneous conveyance of his thought matter.  To understand the full import of the truths which fell from his lips required the presence of the individual interested.




New York Herald New York


'The Ideal of Culture' was, in its entirety, a literary treat.  The audience departed deeply impressed with the eloquence of the speaker, as well as benefited by the thoughts he conveyed.




Chicago Tribune Chicago, Illinois


Dr. Gunsaulus has been giving a series of lectures on 'Modern Dutch Artists,' 'Barbizon Painters' and 'The Ideal of Culture' before the lovers of art at the Armour Institute, which have been the source of new inspiration and understanding to his audiences.  No man is better able to talk on this subject than Dr. Gunsaulus, as he has made a life study of art, especially modern art, and has formed personal friendships with both Dutch and English artists.  These lectures are especially helpful to people in search of higher truths as depicted in the minds of rare thinkers and workers whose touch of pen or pencil have made nature about us more real, and God more near.





Robert Browning



Chautauqua Beatrice, Nebraska


The charm of his oratory is not merely in the magnetism of his presence, the wonderful richness, yet transparency of his style, and the freshness and beauty of his poetic figures, but lies more in the intense and lofty moral earnestness which makes it a genuine inspiration of soul to hear him.




Columbus Gazette Columbus, Ohio


Dr. Gunsaulus has always something good to say to his audience, and says it in a remarkably eloquent manner, being known as one of the foremost pulpit orators of this country.  He is at the head of Armour Institute of Chicago, which is carrying on such an excellent work in that city.  We advise all who can to hear his lecture on 'Robert Browning,' the gifted English poet, as interpreted by this famous educator and orator.





The Later Eloquence of Puritanism



Denver Republican Denver, Colorado


The lecture was a pastel in words—deftly and delicately sketched and brilliantly finished.  The Rev. Gunsaulus has that greatest gift of oratory, the faculty of carrying his audience with him from beginning to end.  It was, when he had finished, as though the auditors had looked upon a vast picture—true, vivid and to the life.  A synopsis of such an achievement is out of place, for it is the orator, fully as much as the subject, that creates the impression.




Evening Post Chicago, Illinois


A cheer broke from the ranks of the University students when Dr. Gunsaulus stepped forward to speak.




Columbus Despatch Columbus, Ohio


Some had asked, 'What can he make out of such a subject?' Well, they know, and they are ready to believe that Dr. Gunsaulus can illuminate any subject and make it inspiring.  Under the mysterious witchery of his oratory and eloquence, the audience sat spell-bound for an hour and thirty-five minutes, and the regret was universal when he stopped.  He is not florid in speech—there is no tawdry word painting.  Every one must have gone away feeling that the only wise thing in their life is the right thing; that moral courage is might; that cowardice is crime.




Kansas City Times Kansas City, Mo.


Dr. Gunsaulus brought his series of wonderful lectures to a fine climax last evening in the one on 'The Later Eloquence of Puritanism.'  It was an eloquent picture of the revolt of the right against the wrong, as was exemplified in Puritanism, and which grew out of the conviction of the two great facts in the world—the existence of a God and of a soul in man.  He described Abraham as the first exponent of Puritanism, and followed its influence to our own time, with a powerful tribute to the strength and patriotism of Wendell Phillips, who made it possible for Grant and Lincoln to free the slave.





Miscellaneous



London Times London, England


Dr. Frank W. Gunsaulus, of Chicago, yesterday occupied Dr. Parker's pulpit at the City Temple, and the auditorium was crowded.  The preacher's high intellectuality, great fluency, poetic views, held the congregation spell-bound.  In the course of his sermon, in which it was shown how vain was man's effort to span the mighty distance between earth and heaven, and discover the secret of the almighty flame, the preacher, for a moment, descended from the poetic plane and, with the dramatic outspokenness familiar to frequenters of the City Temple, actually excited his listeners into applause.  It is quite unusual, even at the City Temple, for Sunday worshippers to loudly express their feelings, although at Parker's Thursday services addresses are occaionally [sicoccasionally]interrupted by murmurs of approval.  Dr. Gunsaulus can, therefore, regard yesterday's cheering as an exceptional compliment to his power of oratory.