Glens Falls in 1919 — Judkins to stay in Glens Falls

The Rev. Charles O. Judkins, pastor of Christ Church Methodist and an influential community leader, now in Heritage Hall of Fame, decided in 1919 to remain in Glens Falls, turning down “big field” offers of pastorates in Cleveland, Ohio and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Judkins had been a “Four Minute Man” speaker during the World War I Liberty Bond campaign. had campaigned around Warren County for woman’s suffrage, and had campaigned in 1919 in support of a referendum for the city to purchase additional land for City Park, among other community involvement.

Judkin’s wife was the first woman member of the Glens Falls School Board.

“Dr. Judkins’ decision to continue his local work will of course be most popular in the city,” The Post-Star reported on Sept.15, 1919.

Judkins had come to Glens Falls in 1902, and would remain pastor of Christ Church until his death in 1934.

On Sept. 9, 1919, The Post-Star reported that two Methodist congregations in the process of consolidating in Cleveland had issued “an urgent invitation” for Judkins to accept the pastorate there and oversee the sale of two older church buildings and construction of a new one.

“Dr. Judkins and Mrs. Judkins today will leave for Cleveland where they will spend a short time considering the proposed work and whether or not Dr. Judkins will accept the call will be decided upon after their return to the city. … It is generally known that he is greatly attached to his work here and nothing but what he considered an exceedingly great opportunity for wider service would cause him to leave it,” The Post-Star reported.