One of life's true heroes, Rev. Charles W. Giddings

The following references to Rev. Charles W. Giddings are taken from A History of Nebraska Methodism…First Half Century 1854-1904, by Rev David Marquette, D. D. 1904

Marquette (p. 65) restates much of the history of Table Rock and the efforts to establish a church there from descriptions attributed to Rev. Charles W. Giddings in Andreas’ History of Nebraska, published in 1882.

Marquette (p. 146) comments on Methodism during the Civil War in Nebraska Territory. He says, “There were Southern sympathizers, especially among those refugees who became so numerous in some places as to feel that they could assert themselves, and these resented any statements in the pulpit by any of our preachers, adverse to the 'institution’ of slavery. P. B. Ruch tells of some of these at Rulo who became offended at some remarks made in the pulpit on a quarterly-meeting occasion by Presiding Elder C. W. Giddings against slavery, and they indignantly demanded on him why he, as pastor, should allow such a man as Giddings in the pulpit.”

On page 196, Marquette “pauses a moment to note some facts relating to the forceful personality and efficient preacher, C. W. Giddings.” Marquette says, “C. W. Giddings had given twenty-five years to the ministry before coming to Nebraska in 1858, having joined the Old Oneida Conference, New York, in 1833. After many years of toil in the East, his health broke down and he came to Nebraska to recuperate if possible. In a few years he was so far restored that having been transferred to the Nebraska Conference, he re-entered the work as Presiding Elder of the Brownsville District. He afterward served two years on the Lincoln District, but the old infirmities, together with advancing years, made it necessary for him to take the superannuated relation in 1871. He retired to his farm at Table Rock, and there, with his devoted wife, he lived in peace, looking back over a long life well spent, and forward to the life that never ends.”

Marquette continued with, “While not able to give many years to the Nebraska work, they were years of great influence for good. The preachers soon came to recognize him as a superior man, and by their votes sent him as a delegate to the General Conference of 1868. His death occurred December 23, 1879. His brethren place on record, in 1880, the following estimate of their fallen comrade: Brother Giddings was a man of more than ordinary ability, and like the most of men of such rank, he had his peculiar characteristics. He was possessed of great will power, and hence great decision and firmness. He also had great endurance and persistent activity. He was a thorough and devout Armenian Methodist of the old style; jealous for the purity and power and zealous for the success of the Gospel – elements that made him a true and able minister of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“His sermons evinced deep thought and comprehensive understanding. He was a workman at his calling. Sin and error suffered mortal thrusts by the scathing shafts of his incisive gospel logic. Finally his devotion to the cause in retirement was evinced by his fidelity to every religious and reformatory interest of society. As Sunday School Superintendent, he will be missed and long remembered. And, as might be expected, he died as a good man dies, quoting to his pastor the significant lines: ‘Not a cloud doth arise to darken the skies or hide for a moment my Lord from my eye.’ Blessed upon the family, honor to the record, and peace to the memory of one of life’s true heroes, Charles W. Giddings.”