"REVEREND CHARLES SHELDON FOUGHT ALCOHOL"

A Moment in Time

Kansas Historical Society

June 2001

By Jill Brush

A monthly series from the Kansas Historical Society

Congregational minister, Reverend Charles M. Sheldon (1857-1946) of Topeka, is well known for his book, In His Steps (published in 1897) and also for his efforts to obtain better educational opportunities for black children living in Tennesseetown (a former district of Topeka). It may not be well known however, that Sheldon was active in the temperance movement. Some have said that it was the social cause he felt most passionate about.

Sheldon's father and uncle both abstained from alcohol and were very influential in Charles' life. Sheldon once told an audience that he had signed a total abstinence pledge at the age of seven promising not to use alcohol and tobacco. Apparently, he never violated it. After attending seminary, Sheldon took to the pulpit in the East. His preaching and writings were rooted in the larger social gospel movement (ca. 1870-1920) which brought contemporary social problems to the attention of practicing Protestants and other churchgoers. The movement sought to reform the inequities between rich and poor, workers and management, and eradicate bad behavior like drinking, which interfered with social progress. Like other reformers, Sheldon felt his actions could improve the lives of others. Sheldon's Eastern parishioners were not very receptive to his message, so he accepted an invitation to come to Topeka.

Although Sheldon conceded that even Jesus drank wine, he claimed that he wouldn't have during the much changed environment of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. The saloon (not around in Jesus' day) was a despicable institution in the eyes of Sheldon and many other alcohol reformers. In his view, consumption of alcohol led to other crimes and was a drain on the economy. Sheldon suggested that when in a moral dilemma, a person should try to do in life what Jesus would do if in the same situation.

The Reverend lived what he preached and even spent one week editing The Topeka Daily Capital in a manner he believed Jesus would have; while editor, liquor and tobacco advertisements were omitted. Despite his obvious piousness, those who knew him said he might rebuke a saloon owner, but would be the first to come to the aid of the owner's family if they fell on hard times. His philosophy was to hate the sin but love the sinner.

Although Kansas was already a prohibition state when Sheldon arrived in Topeka in 1889, he quickly realized that the law was not being enforced. Joints were operating all over the city and drugstores were abusing their right to dispense alcohol for medicinal purposes. Working with other reformers, Sheldon made several attempts to expose the illegal liquor trade, even entering drug stores to see if he could buy medicinal alcohol without the proper paperwork; he found that he could do so very easily. He even went further, by confiscating illegal liquor and dumping it in the streets.

Those with interests in alcohol sought to stop Sheldon by offering bribes or threatening him and his family. His barn was burned at one point. A few people from his congregation criticized his reform practices, but for the most part, his parishioners wholly supported his efforts, including those related to alcohol.

While it is probably accurate to say that Sheldon approached social issues with more sensitivity to class and race than other well-intended reformers, it is true that on the subject of alcohol he was unwavering. Reverend Sheldon could be satisfied that the Kansas prohibition law was still in effect when he died, however, it was only two more years before the law was repealed.

Alcohol, tobacco, gambling and prostitution all motivated reformers during the state's history. Visitors can explore these topics in the newest exhibit, Sinners and Saints: Vice and Reform in Kansas, opening 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2001, at the Kansas Museum of History. Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Sunday, the museum is located at the Kansas History Center, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka KS 66615-1099;785-272-8681; www.kshs.org Suggested donation $2 adults, $1 children.

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