Benjamin Brewster (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Benjamin Brewster |
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| Bishop of Maine | |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Maine |
| Elected | June 7, 1916 |
| In Office | 1916–1940 |
| Predecessor | Robert Codman |
| Successor | Oliver Leland Loring |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1887 |
| Consecration | June 17, 1909 by Daniel S. Tuttle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 25, 1860 New Haven, Connecticut, US |
| Died | February 2, 1941 (aged 80) Portland, Maine, US |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Spouse | Stella Yates (1891–1929) Mary Phillips (1937–1941) |
| Previous post | Bishop of Western Colorado (1909–1916) |
| Alma mater | Yale University |
Benjamin Brewster (November 25, 1860 – February 2, 1941) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church. He served as a bishop in two different parts of the United States. First, he was a Missionary Bishop in Western Colorado. Later, he became the Bishop of Maine. He was known for his work in the church and for his interest in world peace.
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Early Life and Family History
Benjamin Brewster was born in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1860. His father was the Reverend Joseph Brewster. Benjamin came from a very old American family. His ancestors, Love Brewster and Elder William Brewster, were passengers on the famous ship, the Mayflower. They were among the first European settlers in Plymouth Colony.
Benjamin also had a brother, Chauncey Bunce Brewster. Chauncey also became an Episcopal bishop. He served as the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut.
Education and Early Career
Benjamin Brewster went to Hopkins Grammar School. After that, he studied at Yale University, graduating in 1882. While at Yale, he was part of a secret society called Skull and Bones.
He then went on to study at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. This is where people train to become church leaders. Before finishing his studies, he taught school in Cleveland, Ohio, for a year.
Becoming a Church Leader
Benjamin Brewster was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1886. A deacon is a church leader who helps the priest. The next year, in 1887, he became a priest.
His first job was helping at Calvary Church in New York City. He worked there from 1886 to 1891. He also served as the Vicar of Calvary Church during some of those years. A vicar is a priest in charge of a church.
After that, he led churches in other places. He was a pastor in South Orange, New Jersey, and then at Grace Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In Colorado, he also helped oversee the church's activities. Later, he became the Dean of St. Mark's Cathedral in Salt Lake City, Utah. A dean is a senior priest in charge of a cathedral.
Serving as a Bishop
On June 17, 1909, Benjamin Brewster became a Missionary Bishop for Western Colorado. A missionary bishop helps establish and grow the church in new or developing areas.
In 1916, he moved to become the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. He served in Maine until 1940. During his time as bishop, the church in Maine grew and reached more communities.
Bishop Brewster was also involved in important church matters outside of Maine. He served as president of the Synod of New England for several years. He was also a commissioner for the World Council of Churches.
Involvement in World Affairs
Benjamin Brewster was interested in world peace and justice. In 1916, he met with President Woodrow Wilson. They discussed the idea of neutral countries working together to help stop World War I.
In 1936, he asked President Franklin D. Roosevelt to call a meeting of countries that had signed the Kellogg–Briand Pact. This pact was an agreement to avoid war. Bishop Brewster was known for his liberal views on economics, politics, and religion. He attended the Lambeth Conference in London, England, in 1921 and 1930. This is a meeting of bishops from the Anglican Communion worldwide.
Personal Life
Benjamin Brewster was married twice. His first wife was Stella Yates. They married in 1891 and had five children together. Stella passed away in 1929.
In 1937, he married his second wife, Mary Phillips, in Portland, Maine. Mary was a widow. They did not have any children together. Benjamin Brewster passed away in Portland, Maine, on February 2, 1941.
