Albion Interactive History / People
Rev. Robert H. Byler, 1898
Died
Robert Harrris Byler, born August 6, 1898 on a farm near Prarie Home, Cooper County, Missouri, named for great-grandfather, Robert Harris, who was one of the pioneer Baptistministers of Missouri. Graduation from High School, 1917; taught country school one year, enlisted in USNavy, 1918.
Entered Missouri University, 1918; graduated William Jewell College, 1922, degree, AB; graduated Kansas City Seminary, 1924, degree Bachelor of Divinity; graduated Southern Baptist Seminary,Louisville, Kentucky, 1927, degree Doctor in Theology.
Ordained to gospel ministry, May 7, 1921. Assistant pastor, Bales Baptist Church (1000 members), Kansas City, 1922; pastor Bethel Neighborhood Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 1922-1924. This is one of twenty-nine Christian centers carrying on a ministry to new Americans; a large vacation Bible School; Week Day, Christian Education clubs for boys and girls; English classes; day nursery, kindergarten; Sunday School; worship services; branch of public library; visitation homes; musical programs; many sided appeal in the work of Christian Americanization.
Upon finishing the seminary, Dr. Byler became pastor at Carthage, Illinios, 1926-1929; pastor First BaptistChurch, Sycamore, Illinois, 1929-1930; and settled as pastor of First Baptist Church, Albion, Michigan, December 1930.
Married June 11, 1928, to Miss Rena M. Long of Carthage, Illinois; one son, Robert Harris Byler, Jr., born June 28, 1930.
Source: Miriam Krenerick. Albion’s Milestones and Memories. Albion, MI: Art Craft Press. 1932.