This week in Christian history: Brother Van dies, Social Gospel supporter born, Moravian leader

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

'Brother Van' dies - December 19, 1919

William Wesley Van Orsdel (1848-1919), commonly known as 'Brother Van,' who was crucial to spreading Methodism in Montana.
William Wesley Van Orsdel (1848-1919), commonly known as "Brother Van," who was crucial to spreading Methodism in Montana. | Screengrab: Vimeo/Mountain Sky Conference | UMC

This week marks the anniversary of when William Wesley Van Orsdel, commonly called “Brother Van,” died in Great Falls, Montana.

Born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Brother Van was a Methodist circuit rider and preacher known for his efforts to establish Methodism to the territory of Methodism.

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“Brother Van indulged his passion for building churches in Montana. He established more than 100 churches and 50 parsonages,” explained the United Methodist Church’s Mountain Sky Conference.

“Brother Van brought friendship and hope and courage to lonely men and women and to aspiring young people. Natives and newcomers welcomed his help for, as they put it, ‘he prayed lucky.’”

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