LCMS President John Behnken and William Jennings Bryan at the Democratic National Convention 1904

As you can see, I've been reading Rev. Dr. John W. Behnken's memoir, "This I Recall" (CPH 1964). Behnken notes an event which he attended in 1904.

During my seminary "middler" year I recall an unforgettable demonstration - wholly extracurricular - of what can be done through the power of the spoken word. Some of us attended a political rally to hear the Hon. William Jennings Bryan. For well over an hour the "silver-tongued orator of the Platte" [Jennings was from Nebraska] help an immense crowd at the old St. Louis Armory literally spellbound. To us fledgling pulpiteers, eager to develop our preaching pinions, the masterful way this prominent political figure had of swaying his audience made quite an impression. Here surely was a gift to be earnestly desired and cultivated by every minister for the proclamation of the greatest message on earth. [This I Recall, p. 21]

The "rally" may have been the Democratic National Convention of 1904. Jennings oratory was a stirring speech against the "militarism" of Teddy Roosevelt. Find the proceedings, and Bryan's speech in particular, here.

Pastor H.