1836. It became a stimulus to the rapid growth of the Evangelical Association, and a valuable means of recording the progressive movements of the denomination. Always held in high esteem, the pioneer preachers made diligent efforts to place it in the homes of all their members and converts. It was a significant agency in building Christian and denominational bonds. Other notable accomplishments Orwig wrote the first history of the Evangelical Association in 1854. He was one of the founders of the Missionary Society of his Church, also serving as one of its early officers. He was a pioneer and a pathfinder. He boldly advocated for higher education and was instrumental in starting the first educational institution of his denomination. Episcopal ministry The 1859 General Conference, meeting in Naperville, Illinois, elected William W. Orwig to the episcopacy. He served in this position only four years, however, his health proving insufficient to the task. In 1863, therefore, he was made Editor again as well as Treasurer of the Missionary Society. Later he served as a Presiding Elder in the Erie Annual Conference of his denomination until he retired. Orwig the Evangelical According to one biographer, Rev. Orwig was an "up-to-date man," not afraid to advocate new movements and new ideas. He was conservative, yet aggressive, willing to fight for his convictions. He was a student, well versed in many lines of literature. Orwig also was a staunch defender of the doctrines of his Church, and an especially strong proponent of the doctrine of entire sanctification as taught in the Book of Discipline of the Evangelical Association. Another historian calls Orwig "the most aggressive pioneer builder in the Evangelical Church." He was the leading spirit in launching the Sunday School movement in 1832. He promoted the cause of education, the first institution of learning, and the Charitable Society. During his lifetime, the Evangelical Association grew from a membership of just 2,000 to over 145,000. In an 1859 issue of The Evangelical Messenger, an article titled "Our New Bishop" states about Bishop Orwig: He has a sound reliable judgment, and an unflinching firmness of character.... His predominant feature of character... is his indomitable energy, and untiring perseverance. Death and burial Bishop Orwig died 29 May 1889 at the age of seventy-eight. The memorial report of his death expressed deep gratitude for his founding role in the Evangelical Association. "We earnestly urge all our young