Lewis R. Fiske

Lewis R. Fiske

24 December 1825 - 14 February 1901


Lewis Ransom Fiske

Was born in Pennfield, N.Y., December 24, 1825, and died in Denver, Col., February 14, 1901. He was a resident of Michigan for sixty years. Dr. Fiske was converted at a camp meeting near Coldwater, in 1842. In early life he builded well, laying a broad and substantial foundation through years of study which thoroughly prepared him to fill with efficiency and honor the responsible positions to which he was called, including those of educator, editor and pastor. He entered Michigan University in 1848, graduating in 1850. In 1873, Albion College conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity, and in 1879, he received the title Doctor of Laws from his Alma Mater. He took high rank among educators having held the position of President of the Association of College Presidents of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His church loved to honor him as evidenced by his election six times to the General Conference. In 1891, he was a member of the Ecumenical Conference in Washington. For fifteen years he was a trustee of the Board of Education, which supervises the educational work of our church. In 1889 he was elected president of the Michigan State Teachers Association.

He ever honored the church by conscientious efforts to conserve her best interests. In 1852 Dr. Fiske was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Spence, who departed this life in 1879. His second wife, Mrs. Ira Davis, preceded him to the better land. In 1863 he became pastor of the First M. E. Church at Jackson. In 1866, of the Central Church, Detroit. 1869, pastor at Ann Arbor. 1872, Presiding Elder of the Ann Arbor district, again in 1873, pastor of the Central Church, Detroit. In 1876, he was assigned to the Tabernacle Church, Detroit, retiring at the expiration of one year to become President of Albion College, which position he retained for twenty years. As an educator, he incited to high intellectual endeavor and holy living all who came under his instruction. Withdrawing from the more exacting duties of college affairs, with mental force unabated, he left the precious fruits of his ripe scholarship in several works he wrote and published. Dealing with the certitudes of evangelical truth as the result of his own strong Christian faith, his writings are an inspiration of youth and a consolation to age. Like many in early life his plans unconsciously ran counter to those of God. He intended following the profession of the law, but the command to go and preach the everlasting gospel came to him so forcibly as not to be resisted. He was not disobedient to the heavenly voice and the richness of his life and ministry was the reward for the ready response.

One who knew him intimately said of him he never entered into the most innocent variety of conspiracy to accomplish his ends; what his friends did not gladly do for him he never plotted to obtain.

Dr. Fiske was ambitious, but only in the highest and best sense — to do well the work which he had accepted of God, and if heavenly honors are reserved for those who seek the least of earthly honor, then he has entered into intimate companionship with the Master.

One who had been long associated with him in educational work, says of his later years: "He had a remarkable faculty of keeping himself alert and youthful in all his feelings. His active sympathy with young people was unquestionably his strong point, both as preacher and educator. As a citizen, patriotic and zealous for the right; as a Christian, a worthy example; as an instructor, respected and revered; as a pastor, loved and honored. His pleasing presence was the visible exponent of the strength of mind and beauty of soul within. His eye reflecting intellectual power; his love for humanity expressed in kindly greeting, his scrupulous regard for all the amenities of life were but the outward signs of inward grace, the necessary expression of an unselfish life and a spiritual strength gained from sixty years walking with God.

His was a symmetrically builded and successfully completed life. He has gone from our midst full of years and honors. His example is an inspiration; his life a benediction. His memory a sweet savor. His labors a rich legacy to the church he loved. His was the victory as he passed through the temporary shadows to the eternal light beyond.

His funeral was held in Albion, Mich., on Tuesday, February 19, 1901. In respect to him as a leader and moulder, the college sessions were closed for the day, while trustees, faculty and students with many alumni and citizens, crowded his old home to do his name the honor they felt. His monument is the ennobled character of hundreds of men and women who have passed under his lasting influence for good, during their college days when they knew him as "Our President."

- Detroit Annual Conference minutes of 1901, pp. 58-60

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