IV. Rector College President Also Looks to 1843-1847

Then there was CHARLES WHEELER,” ^{24CHARLES WHEELER (1784-1851) was born in Massachusetts. Converted at sixteen, and uniting with the Congregational Church, he was graduated from Bowdoin with a B. A., and received his M. A. from Brown University in 1810. Though the study of Greek he became convinced that sprinkling was not valid baptism, and so was buried in baptism. A revival led him into the ministry. Ordained in 1811, he taught successfully in Miane, Massachusetts, and at Washington, Pennsylvania, from 1814-1839, At the request of the Virginia Education Society he became president of Rector College at Pruntytown, now West Virginia, where he served from 1839-1851. He was declared to be a good administrator, and during the ten years of his presidency the institution grew in usefulness and influence. Dr. Wheeler was loved by his student. Following his death the college declined rapidly, and by the time of the Civil War had ended its career.} Baptist educator and classmate of Adoniram Judson. He was a good scholar, a capable teacher and administrator, and an inspiring preacher. A pre-millenarian, according to contemporary journals, he wrote a treatise in 1823 maintaining the position that the 2300 years to the cleansing of the sanctuary would expire around 1843, or 1844. His printed work has not thus far been located. But since practically all similar citations have been found as set forth, there is little reason to doubt the accuracy of this statement. Thus another educator is added to the supporters of this widespread view.PFF4 375.2