Charles Otis Bemies (March 19, 1867 – August 10, 1948) was an American football, basketball, and baseball coach and Presbyterian minister.

He became acquainted with James Naismith while studying at Springfield College (then known as the International Young Men's Christian Association Training School) in the late 1880s.

While studying at Springfield, Bemies became acquainted with James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, who was a physical education teacher at the school.

As one book notes, "In the fall of 1890, Prof. Bemies organized a 'Young Men's Christian Association,' which continues as an educative factor in the religious life of students.

"[9] Bemies organized the football program at Geneva College in 1890 and served as the coach, captain and a player at the halfback and center positions from 1890 to 1893.

"[15] Another account suggests that a report on gymnasium football in the February 1892 edition of the college newspaper, the Geneva Cabinet, may refer to the newly developed game of basketball.

[5][6][11] According to the college's current web site, "Geneva first played in collegiate competition on April 8, 1893 using peach baskets as goals, defeating the New Brighton YMCA 3 - 0.

"[16] In a 1972 article, J. Vale Downie wrote that "interest in the game lapsed with the departure of Professor Bemies," and it was not until 1897 the sport was revived at Geneva.

Prof. Bemies is a thoroughly conscientious and consistent Christian, outspoken in his opposition to dancing, card playing, theater going, tobacco using, and all such degrading and demoralizing habits, which are so ensnaring to students.

According to one account, "When Michigan State began playing football in 1896, the game was considered such a rowdy affair that the college fathers demanded that a minister handle the team to keep it within decent bounds.

[4] He next served for 16 years as the pastor of the Presbyterian church in McClellandtown, Pennsylvania, a rural community located about 75 miles south of Pittsburgh.

[24] One of his efforts as the pastor in McClellandtown was the construction of the "Brotherhood Building," a 72' by 42' structure including a gymnasium where the local boys played basketball, a kitchen, and an auditorium.

In 1909, his presbytery sought to remove Bemies from his position at the church in McClellandtown, but he continued to serve when his congregation refused to accept any other pastor.

[19][26] Bemies later wrote about the circumstances leading to the attempt to remove him as pastor:"Our greatest drawback in the church work was the presence of several exceedingly active gossips and trouble makers.

After four years of patient endurance the success of the work demanded that the practice stop, so we were forced to suspend a sister who was addicted to the habit.

[33] While living in South Dakota, Bemies also held the position of State Survey Supervisor for the Interchurch World Movement.

[35][36] At the time of the 1900 United States census, Bemies was living with his wife and sons in Meridian, Michigan, near East Lansing.

[35] At the time of the 1910 United States census, Bemies was living with his wife, Lina, and two sons in German Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

[39] At the time of the 1920 United States census, Bemies was living in Brookings, South Dakota, with Madeleine and his two sons from his first marriage.

[33] At the time of the 1930 United States census, Bemies was living with his wife, Madeleine, in Minneapolis, and his occupation was recorded as Presbyterian minister.