Charles William Gordon was a Presbyterian clergyman and successful novelist.He was born at St. Elmo in Glengarry County, Canada West. As the most succesful Canadian novelist of the early 20th century, under the pen name of Ralph Connor, his themes for his novels were drawn from his boyhood memories of Glengarry and later missionary experiences. His books included 'The Man from Glengarry', 'The Sky Pilot' and 'Glengarry School Days' (published 1902).
Gordon was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1890 then served as a missionary in Banff, Alberta for 3 years. In 1894, Gordon became pastor to St. Stephens in Winnipeg. There in 1897 he began publishing his short stories as a fund-raising effort.
During the War of 1914-18, he serving in France as chaplain to the 43rd Cameron Highlanders of Canada. Subsequently, he toured the United States speaking in favour of American participation in the war. Returning to Winnipeg, he chaired the Manitoba Council of Industry for 4 years and negotiated many labour disputes
Rev. Gordon was Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Canada 1921-22 and helped form the United Church of Canada in 1925.