Henry Onderdonk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henry Ustick Onderdonk |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Pennsylvania | |
.jpg) |
|
| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Pennsylvania |
| Elected | July 17, 1836 |
| In Office | 1836–1844 |
| Predecessor | William White |
| Successor | Alonzo Potter |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | April 11, 1816 |
| Consecration | October 25, 1827 by William White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1789 New York City, New York, United States |
| Died | December 6, 1858 (aged 69) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Buried | Church of St. James the Less |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | John Onderdonk & Deborah Ustick |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Carter |
| Children | 8 |
| Previous post | Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania (1827-1836) |
| Alma mater | Columbia University University of Edinburgh |
Henry Ustick Onderdonk (born March 16, 1789 – died December 6, 1858) was an important leader in the Episcopal Church. He became the second bishop of Pennsylvania. Bishops are like spiritual leaders who oversee many churches in a certain area.
Early Life and Education
Henry Onderdonk was born in New York City. He was a very smart student. He went to Columbia University and earned his degree in 1805. After that, he traveled to Britain to continue his studies. He earned a medical degree from the University of Edinburgh.
When he returned to the United States, Onderdonk first worked as a doctor in New York. Later, he decided to become a priest. He was ordained by Bishop John Henry Hobart. In 1816, he worked as a missionary in western New York. A missionary is someone who travels to spread their faith. After this, he became the leader of St. Ann's Church in Brooklyn for seven years.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1827, Henry Onderdonk was chosen to be an assistant bishop in Pennsylvania. He worked alongside Bishop William White. He was the 21st bishop in the Episcopal Church in the U.S. He was officially made a bishop by three other bishops, including William White.
After Bishop White passed away in 1836, Onderdonk took over as the main bishop of Pennsylvania. He was a strong supporter of what is called the "High Church" position. This means he believed in traditional church practices and the importance of bishops. He even wrote a book in 1830 called Episcopacy Tested In Scripture. This book explained why he believed the role of bishops was important, using the Bible as his guide.
Later Life
Henry Onderdonk passed away in 1858. He is buried in the churchyard of Church of St. James the Less in Philadelphia.
