Quits Law for Religion

Chicago (Ill.) Chronicle

From politician to preacher, from expounder of manmade law to exegete of advanced religious doctrine, are the transistions from vocation mundane to calling devout through which ex-Judge W. G. Ewing has passed. The former chief executive of the Iroquois Club has abandoned for the time being the practice of the law, and consecrated his energies and ability to the spreading of the gospel of Christian Science.

The fact that ex-Judge Ewing had become a member of the Board of Lectureship of the Church of Christ, Scientist, was emphasized after the publication in the morning papers of dispatches from New York to the effect that the former judge, on Sunday (December 10), from the platform of the Metropolitan Opera House had explained to an immense audience the tenets of Christian Science.

Inquiry last night at Mr. Ewing's home, 3743 Ellis Avenue, elicited the information that six months ago the ex-jurist was chosen by the home church in Boston—Mrs. Eddy's—a member of the International Board of Lectureship, in short, to become an evangelist of the creed, to go throughout the land teaching its precepts. It is understood that the position is a permanent one, and inasmuch as during the six months of his lectureship Mr. Ewing has not appeared in the character of a barrister, the inference is declared to be that he will leave the legal profession, in which for many years he has been a leading light.

Miss Ewing said last night, after confirming the statement that her father had identified himself with the Church of Christ, Scientist, as a lecturer, that he would remain in the East some time, carrying on exegetical work. Mrs. Ewing, who has achieved national reputation as an expounder of the doctrines which her husband is now elucidating, is the Second Reader at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 4015 Drexel Boulevard.

Ex-Judge Ewing was, from its inception, one of the pillars of the Iroquois Club, and in 1892, at one of the banquets of the famous Democratic organization, when there was a great deal of uncertainty as to the democratic nominee, advocated the renomination of Grover Cleveland for the presidency. Mr. Ewing's pronouncement in favor of Mr. Cleveland won the enthusiastic approval of the Iroquois banqueters, and ultimately was a factor in securing the nomination for the New York man.

Mr. Ewing in July last resigned the presidency of the Iroquois Club, to which he was elected six months previously. He was born in southern Illinois, and was educated at Wesleyan University. Bloomington, taking a law course subsequent to graduation. He came to chicago from Quincy in 1882. In Quincy he had been city and state's attorney for twelve years, and had conducted some important cases that won the attention of Chicago men.

In 1884 Mr. Ewing was made United States district attorney for the Chicago district. He retired from office in 1889, and in 1892 was elected to the bench of the Superior Court of Cook County, serving until 1898. After doffing the ermine Mr. Ewing gradually became interested in the doctrines of Christian Science, his devotion to them culminating in his assumption of his present duties. Chicago (Ill.) Chronicle.

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