BIO: George B. STEWART, Dauphin County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of Dauphin County, 
Containing Sketches of Representative Citizens, and Many of the 
Early Scotch-Irish and German Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: 
J. M. Runk & Company, 1896, pages 282-283.
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  STEWART, REV. GEORGE B., D.D., pastor of the Market Square 
Presbyterian church, Harrisburg, Pa., was born at Columbus, Ohio, 
February 28,1854. His ancestors have been in America since 1637. On his 
father's side, they were Scotch-Irish; and on his mother's side, this 
same strain was mingled with that of the Holland-Dutch.  Hence by the 
law of heredity, Dr. Stewart is justly entitled to the sterling and 
sturdy qualities he has exhibited in his youth and maturity.
  His primary education was received in the public and private schools 
of his native city, which also afforded him his preparation for 
college. Other influences besides those of careful domestic training 
and thorough scholastic tuition and discipline exerted a power over 
him.  The most active and receptive years of his youth were those of 
the Civil war, and the capital of Ohio at that time was the seat and 
scene of the most intense and continuous activities in the preparation 
for and the consequences of the internecine struggle.  The glorious 
flag of the country, either in the fresh folds of the colors of the 
regiments departing for the seat of war, or on the tattered and stained 
standards of returning troops were constantly before his youthful eyes, 
while his ears were ever assaulted by the stirring notes of the fife 
and drum, and the stately tramp of the marching soldiers. Press, 
platform and pulpit were giving utterance to patriotic sentiments, and 
sacrifices for country and free institutions was the personal and 
public virtue he heard most frequently and eloquently commended.  His 
ancestors had been in this country for over two hundred years, and 
hence by blood, birth and training, he became an American of Americans, 
his heart thrilling with sentiments of regard and reverence for the 
free and full life which his native country begot and fostered.
  When in maturing growth and approaching manhood, he was confronted by 
the need of making choice of an occupation or profession he could see 
no calling which offered employment to his gifts and satisfaction for 
his longings so fully as the sacred office.  For this he proceeded to 
prepare himself by the course of classical and theological study which 
the Presbyterian Church require of all who enter the ministry.  With 
the class of 1876 he completed the curriculum of Princeton College, 
after which he spent some time in the study of theology at the young 
but conservative McCormick Seminary at Chicago, Ill.  For the 
completion of his theological studies he resorted to the older and more 
liberal seminary at Auburn, N. Y.  The Calvary church of the city of 
Auburn noted the promise of the young student and offered him the 
pastorate the year previous to the completion of his course.  He 
accepted the charge and remained in the field for seven years, in which 
his success was so marked that he attracted the attention of the church 
at large. 
  The Market Square Presbyterian church, of Harrisburg, Pa., gave him a 
unanimous call without knowing him a unanimous call without knowing him 
and on the strength solely of the representations of persons whom they 
deemed competent to judge of his fitness for the pulpit and pastoral 
work.  After a visit of some days to the city, he accepted the call and 
was installed as pastor, January 2, 1885.  The Market Square church was 
one of the most prominent and important charges in the central part of 
Pennsylvania.  It had in its membership many of the descendants of the 
Scotch-Irish pioneers who settled this part of the State, it had been 
remarkably favored in the enjoyment of the services of men of great 
talent and marked devotion in the pastoral office, the one preceding 
Dr. Stewart being Dr. Thos. H. Robinson, whose scholarly tastes and 
attainments, as well as his excellent character had led to his transfer 
to a chair in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary. 
  Dr. Stewart's labors in this important field have been crowned with 
abundant and most gratifying success.  People and pastor are most 
happily in accord as to the methods and means of church activities, and 
their harmonious work and worship are delightfully complete and 
satisfactory.  The officers and members, while intensely Presbyterian 
and most cordially loyal to denominational doctrine and order, are at 
the same time decidedly of the liberal branch and type, and in this 
feature are highly gratified with the pastor who shares with them in 
their denomination preference.
  The dominant traits and characteristics of Dr. Stewart are his 
naturalness, simplicity, earnestness, and devotion in connection with 
eminent talents as a preacher and as organizer and leader. Even his 
scholarship partakes of a practical turn, for while his eager search 
for truth takes him into all fields of investigation, he gathers 
therefrom only the fruits which nurture spirituality and practical 
evangelism.
  The church under his leadership is thoroughly organized, and is as 
much a working company as a factory, store or bank, in which every 
employee has his place and work, and all are united and co-operate to 
reach a single result. But the organization is not a creed, it is only 
a means by which the good of humanity and the glory of God are 
effectually promoted.
  Dr. Stewart finds time for work outside of the pastorate.  He is a 
trustee of the College at Princeton, N. J., and of the Wilson College 
at Chambersburg, Pa.  He has also been the president of the 
Pennsylvania Chatauqua, at Mt. Gretna, for the five years of its 
existence.  He is much interested in the Y.P.S.C.E. and is the chairman 
of the General Assembly's special committee on this organization.
  By his activity, fidelity and good will in his relationships of man, 
neighbor and citizen, Dr. Stewart enjoys a popularity and influence 
equal to the regard and affection rendered to him in the ministerial 
office.