Homer Stuntz was born in Albion, Pennsylvania on January 29th, 1858. He completed his law degree at The University of Iowa, and later attended Garrett Biblical Institute, graduating in 1884. In 1886 he earned a Doctor of Divinity degree from Upper Iowa University. Homer was a missionary to India for nine years. From 1897 to 1901, Homer was the pastor at the Methodist church in Mount Vernon as well as Cornell College. Homer spearheaded the construction of the Methodist Church during his pastorate here; he was also a member of Cornell’s Board of Trustees. From 1901 to 1907 he was superintendent of missions to the Philippines. Even after he left Mount Vernon, he came back to visit often. He died February 12th, 1924.