Charles Ovenden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles Ovenden |
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| Born | 11 September 1846 in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh |
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| Died | 9 July 1924 (aged 77) in Earlscliffe, Baily, County Dublin |
| Church | Anglican |
Charles Thomas Ovenden (born September 11, 1846 – died July 9, 1924) was an important Irish Anglican priest and writer. He held a very senior position in the church as the Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin in the Church of Ireland.
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Who Was Charles Thomas Ovenden?
Charles Thomas Ovenden was a well-known figure in the Irish church during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was not only a priest but also an author, meaning he wrote books and articles. His most important role was being the Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, which is a very old and famous church.
His Early Life and School Days
Charles Thomas Ovenden was born in a town called Enniskillen in what is now Northern Ireland. When he was a young boy, he went to a school called the Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. After that, he continued his education at Trinity College, Dublin, which is a very famous university in Ireland.
A Life in the Church
Charles Ovenden became a priest in 1870. His first job in the church was as a curate at Magdalene Church in Belfast. A curate is a priest who helps the main priest in a church.
Over the years, he moved to different churches and took on more important roles:
- He became the Rector of Dunluce in County Antrim. A rector is the main priest in charge of a parish (a local church area).
- Later, he was a Succentor at St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. This role involves helping with the music and singing in the cathedral.
- From 1884 to 1886, he was the Rector of Portrush.
- He then became the Precentor of Clogher in 1903. A precentor is similar to a succentor but often has more responsibility for the music and worship.
- In 1903, he was made the Dean of Clogher. A dean is the head of a cathedral.
- Finally, in 1911, he moved to Dublin to become the Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. This was a very important position.
Standing Up During Wartime
During World War I, Charles Ovenden was the Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral. He was very concerned about the war, especially the actions of German submarines. He spoke out against them. The Telegraph newspaper quoted him saying that he prayed with all his heart that the "knavish tricks" (meaning sneaky and dishonest actions) of the Germans would be stopped. This shows he was a strong voice for what he believed was right, even during difficult times.
His Family Life
Charles Thomas Ovenden married Isabella Mary Robinson in 1871. They had two daughters. One of their daughters was named Isabella Gertrude Amy Webb, who later became a well-known paediatrician (a doctor who treats children). Their other daughter was Florence Irene Harriet Wynne-Finch.
