Author and Topeka native to deliver program on Rev. Charles Sheldon
![The Rev. Charles Sheldon was pastor of Topeka's Central Congregational Church, and was world-famous as author of “In His Steps,” but became even more famous as a result of the week he spent editing The Topeka Daily Capital “as Jesus would have done it.” [Kansas State Historical Society]](/gcdn/authoring/2018/01/30/NTCJ/ghows-KS-6403c125-72e9-2ce3-e053-0100007fc289-47d86d55.jpeg?width=660&height=427&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
An author and Topeka native is returning to his hometown to present a program focusing on the week in 1900 when the Rev. Charles Monroe Sheldon published The Topeka Daily Capital "as Jesus would," an event that garnered worldwide attention.
Laird Kelly's presentation will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, in the Preston-Hale Room of the Ward-Meade Mansion at Old Prairie Town, 124 N.W. Fillmore.
During his program, titled “Reverend Sheldon and his Christian Newspaper," Kelly will recount the time 118 years ago when the publisher of the Topeka Daily Capital offered Sheldon full control of his newspaper for one week.
Circulation soared from 12,000 to an estimated 376,000 for the week.
Kelly's presentation coincides with fundraising efforts to restore Sheldon study, which was moved in 1986 to its present location at the west end of Old Prairie Town.
The study, which was closed to visitors until recently, is being renovated into a museum, where guests can learn more about Sheldon, who was among the nation's most popular pastors during his time in Topeka.
The founding minister of Central Congregational Church, Sheldon penned the best-selling book "In His Steps," which coined the phrase “What Would Jesus Do.”
Officials in July said some $100,000 would be needed to complete the Sheldon study renovation.
Funds are being raised through the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation www.sheldonslegacylives.com.