Alexander Viets Griswold facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Alexander Viets Griswold |
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| 5th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church | |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| In Office | 1836–1843 |
| Predecessor | William White |
| Successor | Philander Chase |
| Other posts | Bishop of Massachusetts (1811-1843) Bishop of Rhode Island (1811-1843) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | October 1, 1795 |
| Consecration | May 29, 1811 by William White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 22, 1766 Simsbury, Connecticut Colony |
| Died | February 15, 1843 (aged 76) Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
| Buried | Old Village Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Episcopal |
| Parents | Elisha Griswold & Eunice Viets |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Mitchelson |
| Children | 12 |
| Alma mater | Brown University, Princeton University, Harvard University |
Alexander Viets Griswold (born April 22, 1766 – died February 15, 1843) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church in the United States. He served as the 5th Presiding Bishop of the church from 1836 until his death in 1843. He was also the Bishop of the Eastern Diocese, which covered most of New England. Griswold was known for his strong evangelical beliefs within the Episcopal Church.
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His Life and Church Work
Alexander Viets Griswold was born in Simsbury, Connecticut. His parents were Elisha Griswold and Eunice Viets. He later passed away in Boston, Massachusetts.
Griswold married Elizabeth Mitchelson in 1785 or 1786. They had 12 children together. His sister, Eunice Pinney, became a well-known painter.
Education and Early Ministry
Griswold received special degrees from several universities. He earned a Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) from Brown University in 1810. He also received degrees from Princeton University in 1811 and Harvard University in 1812.
He became a deacon in the church on June 7, 1795. A few months later, on October 1, 1795, he was ordained as a priest. Griswold worked at three small churches in Litchfield County. He also spent time teaching at a school.
In 1804, Griswold became the rector (head priest) of St. Michael's Church in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Becoming a Bishop
Griswold was chosen to be a bishop and was consecrated (officially made a bishop) on May 29, 1811. As the oldest serving bishop, he also took on the role of the Episcopal Church's fifth Presiding Bishop. He served in this important position from July 17, 1836, until his death.
Besides his church duties, Griswold also served as the Chancellor of Brown University. This was a leadership role at the university, which he held from 1815 to 1828.
His Final Resting Place
When Alexander Griswold died in 1843, he was first buried at Trinity Church in Boston. Later, in 1876, his and his family's remains were moved. They were reburied in the churchyard outside St. Paul's Church in Dedham, Massachusetts.
His Writings and Hymns
Griswold wrote a hymn titled Holy Father, great Creator. A hymn is a religious song often sung in church.
He also published several books and writings:
- Discourses on the Most Important Doctrines and Duties of the Christian Religion (1830)
- The Reformation and the Apostolic Office (1843)
- Remarks on Social Prayer Meetings (1858)
After his death, his life story was published by Dr. J. S. Stone. Some of his personal papers and even a lock of his hair are kept at the University Library at the University of Rhode Island.
How Was He Honored?
A college in Davenport, Iowa, was named in honor of Alexander Griswold. This college was called Griswold College.
See also
- List of presiding bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America
- List of Episcopal bishops of the United States
- Historical list of the Episcopal bishops of the United States
