George Boyle (priest) facts for kids
George David Boyle (born May 17, 1828 – died March 21, 1901) was an important church leader in England. He served as the Dean of Salisbury from 1880 until he passed away. A Dean is a senior priest who leads a cathedral, which is a very large and important church.
Early Life and Education
George David Boyle was born in 1828. His father, David Boyle, was a very important judge in Scotland. He was called the Lord Justice-General and President of the Court of Session. George's mother was Camilla Catherine.
George went to a famous school called Charterhouse. After that, he studied at Exeter College, Oxford, which is part of the well-known University of Oxford. He earned two degrees there: a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in 1851 and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in 1853.
Church Career
After finishing his studies, George Boyle began his career in the church. From 1853 to 1860, he worked as an assistant priest, also known as a curate, in the towns of Kidderminster and Hagley.
Later, he became the priest in charge of St. Michael's Church in Handsworth. He held this position from 1861 to 1867. During this time, he also became a rural dean for the Handsworth area. A rural dean helps oversee several churches in a region.
In 1867, George Boyle returned to Kidderminster as the vicar, which is another term for the priest in charge of a church. The next year, he also became the rural dean for Kidderminster.
From 1872 to 1880, he was an honorary canon at Worcester Cathedral. A canon is a member of the clergy who works at a cathedral.
Dean of Salisbury
In 1880, George Boyle was given a very important role: he was appointed the Dean of Salisbury. This meant he was the head priest of Salisbury Cathedral, a famous and beautiful church. He served as Dean until his death in 1901.
Other Achievements
While at Oxford, George Boyle was elected president of the Oxford Union in 1849. The Oxford Union is a famous debating society where students practice public speaking and discuss important topics.
He also wrote two books: Confession, according to the Rule of the Church of England and Lessons from a Churchyard.
Family Life
In 1861, George Boyle married Mary Christina Robins. She was the eldest daughter of William Robins from Hagley. George and Mary did not have any children.
