James W. Montgomery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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| Bishop of Chicago | |
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James W. Montgomery in 1967
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Chicago |
| In Office | 1971–1987 |
| Predecessor | Frank Burrill |
| Successor | Frank Griswold |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | December 1949 |
| Consecration | September 29, 1962 by Arthur C. Lichtenberger |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | James Winchester Montgomery |
| Born | May 29, 1921 Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Died | October 23, 2019 (aged 98) Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | James Edward Montgomery & Evelyn Lee Winchester |
| Previous post | Suffragan Bishop of Chicago (1962–1965) Coadjutor Bishop of Chicago (1965–1971) |
James Winchester Montgomery (born May 29, 1921 – died October 23, 2019) was an American religious leader. He was a bishop in the Episcopal Church in Chicago. He served in this important role from 1971 to 1987. Before becoming a bishop, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He then dedicated his life to the church in Chicago, starting in 1949.
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Early Life and Education
James Winchester Montgomery was born on May 29, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were James Edward Montgomery and Evelyn Lee Winchester. His grandfather, James Ridout Winchester, was also a bishop. He served as the Bishop of Arkansas.
James grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. He went to Sullivan High School. After high school, he attended Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1943.
Military Service and Seminary
During World War II, Montgomery joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a lieutenant. After the war, in 1946, he decided to study to become a priest. He enrolled at the General Theological Seminary. He earned a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree in 1949.
Later, he received more advanced degrees. These included a Doctor of Sacred Theology from his seminary. He also earned a Doctor of Divinity from Nashotah House in 1963. In 1969, he received honorary degrees from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and Shimer College.
Becoming a Priest
On June 18, 1949, James Montgomery became a deacon. This was the first step to becoming a priest. Bishop Wallace E. Conkling of Chicago led the service. It took place at the Church of St. Paul by the Lake in Chicago. A few months later, he was ordained as a priest.
His first job was as a curate at St. Luke's Church in Evanston, Illinois. He worked there for two years. Then, he became the rector (head priest) of St. John the Evangelist Church in Flossmoor, Illinois. He served this church for eleven years.
Serving as Bishop
In 1962, the Chicago church leaders chose Montgomery to be a Suffragan Bishop. A Suffragan Bishop helps the main bishop. He had spent his entire church career in Chicago. The main bishop, Arthur C. Lichtenberger, led his consecration service. This special ceremony took place on September 29, 1962, at St James' Cathedral.
Bishop of Chicago
On February 24, 1965, Montgomery was elected Coadjutor Bishop of Chicago. This meant he would become the main bishop when the current one retired. On October 2, 1971, he officially became the diocesan bishop. He took over from Frank Burrill.
During his time as bishop, the Episcopal Church began allowing women to be ordained. Bishop Montgomery personally did not support this change. However, he allowed women to be ordained in the Chicago diocese. This was done by the suffragan bishop, Quintin E. Primo Jr..
Bishop Montgomery was also involved in national church meetings. He helped guide his diocese through important changes in church services. He retired on October 1, 1987. After his retirement, Rt.Rev. Frank Griswold became the new bishop.
Community Involvement
Beyond his church duties, Bishop Montgomery was a trustee for several important organizations. He served on the board of Shimer College when it was connected to the Episcopal Church. He was also a trustee for Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital. He also helped manage his former schools, Nashotah House and General Theological Seminary.
Later Life and Legacy
Bishop Montgomery passed away at his home in Chicago on October 23, 2019. He was 98 years old. A funeral service was held for him at the cathedral on November 4, 2019.
The community room at the historic Episcopal Church of the Atonement and Parish House is named in his honor. He was a longtime member of that church.
