Here is a tidbit I’m betting you never knew!  John Wilbur Chapman, who served as Bethany’s pastor from 1890–1892 and 1896–1899, wrote the lyrics to a hymn in 1908 and titled it “One Day”. Then Casting Crowns came along and used those lyrics to compose “Glorious Day”, a very popular praise song! Who knew?  Chapman also wrote the popular hymn “Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners”.

However, Chapman’s lasting claim to fame is his work as an evangelist.  While at Bethany, he tried something new and innovative. Working with 15 evangelists, he organized simultaneous revival meetings throughout the area.  He later left Bethany to lead similar events in other U.S. cities. More than sixty million people attended his evangelistic campaigns worldwide and he was a strong influence on Billy Sunday’s ministry.