James Abram Garfield was born to a poor farm family in Orange, Ohio on November 19, 1831. When he was only 2, his father died suddenly leaving his mother, Eliza, to raise a family of five in a small log cabin in "The Wilderness" (Ohio). His mother had a noble heart and impressed on her children the value of an education and a stout faith in God. At age 3, he attended school in a log hut, soon learning to read. At age 10, he was earning money by working on the farms of his neighbors. He strove to read every book available to him in the meager libraries of the community.

At age 16, he entered nearby Geauga Academy in Chester. He worked hard enough to become self sufficient, requiring no student aid. It was here he met Lucretia Rudolph, whom he eventually wed. He was known for being well spoken, unpretentious and charitable. To earn money, he was the school janitor. A little past his 18th birthday, he was baptized by evangelist William A. Lillie, into a movement some called "the Disciples." In the winter of 1853-54, he was attending a congregation in Hiriam.

One morning, Elder Symonds Rider, the preacher, became ill. After a few moments of consultation, Elder Zeb Rudolph, announced today's sermon would be delivered by James Garfield. The First and Second Comings of Christ was to be his theme. He began telling the tale of a young Napoleon Bonaparte, how he entered the military school in Paris in 1784 as an unknown but soon rose to be one of history's greatest generals. He then turned the focus to Jesus who entered this world through a manger and exited on a mountain. Napoleon, he concluded, was dead, Jesus, however, reigns forever as "King of Kings and Lord of lords." The crowd hung on his every word and responded with great delight.

"Men are tending to materialism. Houses, lands, and worldly goods attract their attention, and, as a mirage, lure them on to death. Christianity, on the other hand leads only the natural body to death, and for the spirit, it points out a house not built with hands, eternal in the heavens. Christianity teaches that the converted are to receive the Holy Spirit; that they are sealed by it and changed by it into the image of God to assist men in understanding the spiritual; a few material ordinances are still needed. Baptism, as an ordinance derives its efficacy from God. Jesus commanded it. It brings the trusting soul into the death of Christ. Its ends are spiritual good, and it shows to men and angels that the man's spirit is obedient to the will of Christ. The Lord's supper is an ordinance through which our weak conceptions can be raised up to the spiritual Christ. In this simple 'in memoriam' we not only declare our faith in the Christ of the past but in the present, who is alive forever more. Let me urge you to follow Him, not as the Nazarene, the Man of Galilee, the carpenter's son, but as the ever living spiritual person, full of love and compassion, who will stand by you in life and death and eternity."

After that experience, the pulpit attracted him more and more. He began circuit preaching, and often spoke at funerals, led revivals and weddings. He likely would have become a noted minister in the "Churches of Christ" but instead he chose the legal profession. He soon began teaching Greek and Latin at Hiriam and soon became its president. In August 1861, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 42nd Ohio Volunteers leading his men to victory in important battles in Kentucky. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln requested he serve as a Congressman for Ohio. He served 8 terms. In 1880, he was elected to the Senate, however, before his term began he was appointed director of the presidential campaign of fellow Ohioan, John Sherman. At the Republican convention he gave the nomination speech for Sherman, but the party was so divided that someone suggested he'd make a better candidate. After 36 ballots, he was picked. He won the presidency with less than 10,000 popular votes.

At his inauguration, he stepped down as an elder in the church. "I resign the highest office in the land to become President of the United States." 100 days later, he was shot by Charles Guiteau, a demented office seeker, in a Washington train station. He lingered near death before succumbing on September 19, 1881. He is entombed in Lakeview Cemetary in Cleveland.

Having spent a short time in office, the historical impact of President James A. Garfield is, admittedly, minimal. However, his notation as a member of the Disciples of Christ and the recognition that he was the preacher president are significant. We can learn much from his character because he let the light of Jesus shine in every department of his brief life. One can still come to know him as a humble and determined man whose ultimate victory will last longer than any accomplishments he may have gained as Commander In Chief.

Today, you can help shape the destiny of boys and girls by your encouragement, prayers and your willingness to share your wisdom. By offering time, by supportive notes, you can aide the progress of tomorrow’s husbands, wives and maybe even presidents.