Rev. Charles Manchester, who came to Findlay College in September 1896, was known for a forceful personality and his speaking abilities. Both attributes, in addition to his educational and administrative background, aided him in dealing with the financial strain and challenging circumstances at the College upon his arrival. In 1896, President Manchester authored a resolution to keep the college open, relieve the trustees of personal financial ob ligation for its debts, and have the General Eldership give $2,000 per year to help cover expenses. In 1898, with internal fiscal priorities established, cuts to the teaching force and better times in the country as a whole, Findlay College's financial status began to improve. Manchester achieved some success at raising money in the Church of God to meet expenses and local elderships expressed greater interest in the success of the institution by contributing to the endowment.
In a time when modern and practical studies were taking precedence, Manchester championed the study of the classics of Latin and Greek. He ensured that Biblical and Christian teaching remained a focus of the institution and that the faculty were Christian in life as well as profession. He established a print shop in Old Main and contributed to a short lived publication called, “Our College News," a faculty-student publication encouraging contributions from the entire College community.
Manchester resigned from the presidency in June 1904, indicating that he preferred to be either a pastor or theology teacher. Later, he became principal of the Fort Scott Collegiate Institute in Fort Scott, Kansas, and then professor of public speaking at Defiance College in Ohio.