January 29th marks the birthday of our 25th President, William McKinley Jr. Born in 1843, McKinley was brought up in a devout Methodist family in Ohio. Converted at the age of ten, his mother had hoped that he would go into the ministry. However, when he was 18, the Civil War began and changed the course of young William's life.
William joined the men of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and by the end of war had been promoted to the rank of Major. The exposure to the battlefield and the very real possibility of facing his own death deeply affected him. His greatest desire, should he fall in battle, was to be known not only as a good "solider for my country, but also a Soldier of Jesus."
After the war McKinley did not go into the ministry, but chose rather to start a law practice in Canton, Ohio. There he met his future wife, Ida, and began to explore his political opportunities. Eventually William and Ida would marry and begin to raise a family. Fate was not kind to the McKinley family. First, there was the tragic loss of their two young children, then shortly thereafter Ida was stricken with a nervous disorder that left her an invalid for the rest of her life.
Over the years William held a number of offices on the local and state level. He achieved national prominence as a Congressman from Ohio, and eventually became the leader of the Republican Party. In 1896 he ran and was elected as our 25th President. In his inaugural address his personal faith was clearly demonstrated, both by the quoting of scripture, and his declaration that he would be "relying on the support of my countrymen and invoking the guidance of Almighty God. Our faith teaches that there is no safer reliance than upon the God of our fathers, who has so singularly favored the American people in every national trial, and who will not forsake us so long as we obey His commandments and walk humbly in His footsteps."
Until recently I didn't know how much McKinley's faith was reflected in his policies. His Christian morals and convictions were an essential part of his governing. His believed his primary purpose in life was not to be "somebody" but to represent "Somebody".....his Lord and Savior.
No time was that more evident than on September 6, 1901 when he feel victim to an assassin's bullet. During the following week, as he fought courageously for his life, he publicly forgave his attacker. As the infection spread, he faced his fate with dignity, finally telling his doctors, "It is useless, gentlemen. I think we ought to have pray." Saying goodbye to his wife and friends he said, "It is God's way. His will, not ours, be done." A few moments later, as he died, he uttered his last words.......lines from his favorite hymn, "Nearer My God To Thee."
Earlier today our teachers gathered together to consider how we can implement the Bible and our Christian worldview into our overall curriculum. Perhaps it's not a coincidence that I wanted to write this story about President McKinley today. In the midst of the math, english, history, and science we teach the next generation, it's important that we also teach them about the role of faith in the lives of those who went before us. Faith is not an "add-in" to life....it is the substance of of life. The men and women who have changed history for the good over the past 2000 years have most often been people with a sincere faith in Jesus Christ. I, for one, am grateful that's what we teach at Crossroads.....and we plan to keep doing it every way we can!!
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