Charles M. Sheldon (1857-1946)

Charles M. Sheldon was born February 26, 1857, in Wellsville, New York. His father, Stewart Sheldon, was a Congregational minister. Sheldon graduated from Brown University in 1883 and Andover Theological Seminary in 1886. Sheldon moved to Topeka in 1889 to become pastor of Central Congregational Church. Sheldon preached the social gospel, which encouraged Christians to work to solve the social problems of the time. 

Charles M. Sheldon wrote several books. His most well-known, "In His Steps," is the origin of the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" A religious magazine from Chicago published the stories in weekly installments and then in book form.

Sheldon, along with Central Congregational church, sponsored the first African American kindergarten west of the Mississippi River. He traveled extensively, promoting the social gospel movement and advocating for temperance.

Sheldon retired from Central Congregational in 1920. Even in retirement, Sheldon continued to advocate for peace and helped form Alfred M. Landon's prohibition platform for his run for governor. 

Charles M. Sheldon died on September 24, 1946, in Topeka and is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.