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We know what he looks like because of the dignified portrait that hangs on the wall – and of course Wilson House bears his name. But who was he? Charles E. Wilson was a mid-20th century industrialist and president of General Electric, which he helped develop into the multinational behemoth it is today. He was known as "Electric Charlie" to distinguish him from Charles Erwin Wilson ("Engine Charlie"), president of General Motors and President Eisenhower's Secretary of Defense. A lifelong American Baptist layman, Wilson was also an active ecumenist who served as the first treasurer of the National Council of Churches when it was founded in 1950. Charles Wilson was also a war hero on a par with those who wore five stars on their shoulders. In September 1942 President Roosevelt, worried about the pace of production of war material, named Wilson vice chairman of the War Production Board. As wartime boss of the huge U.S. mobilization, Wilson achieved some spectacular successes, particularly in aircraft, shipbuilding and munitions. He served in this capacity until August 1944, when he returned to the presidency of General Electric. In 1946, President Truman named Wilson chair of the Civil Rights Committee where he studied and recommended civil rights legislation to protect "all parts of our population". As the Cold War chilled, Truman created the Office of Defense Mobilization in 1950 and named Wilson its director.
Wilson's new job – described as second in
importance to the Presidency – did not deter him from his church
activities. He was an active leader in the founding of the National
"Electric Charlie" Wilson remained an active member of the First Baptist Church of White Plains, which is now situated on the former estate of Mrs. Roy Ott on North Street. Mrs Ott was the sister of department store magnate J.C. Penney, another notable American Baptist, who lived where White Plains High School is now. The elegant house – dignified but relatively simple by mansion standards – was purchased by Wilson and donated to the church. The church named the house for its illustrious member and generous donor, Electric Charlie Wilson. Wilson House is a comfortable place to meet, study the bible and enjoy snacks. If you ever feel the spirit of Electric Charlie standing beside you, remember it's not only pleasant to be in his house that bears his name. It's an honor. |
Council
of Churches in 1950 and was elected the council's first treasurer.
The NCC's treasury at the time was dedicated to a myriad of
projects, including the Revised Standard Version of the bible.
Wilson made sure President Truman was available to receive a copy,
which he promised "to read tonight." As a part of his faith
commitments, Wilson became president of the People to People
Foundation in 1956, a non-partisan program promoting international
friendship and understanding.
