William Holland Wilmer facts for kids

William Holland Wilmer (October 9, 1782 – July 24, 1827) was an Episcopal priest, teacher, and writer. He worked in Maryland and Virginia. He also served as the eleventh president of the College of William and Mary for a short time.

Early Life and Education

William Holland Wilmer was born on October 29, 1782. His family lived at "Stepney Manor" in Chestertown, Maryland. He was the fifth son of Simon Wilmer, who was also a priest.

He went to Washington College and graduated around 1802 or 1803. After college, he worked in business with his sister's husband for six years.

Career as a Priest and Educator

Bruton Parish Church and churchyard in Williamsburg, Virginia

St. Paul's Church in Alexandria Virginia

Even though he had explored other faiths, Wilmer decided he wanted to preach in the Episcopal Church. He studied on his own and became a deacon in 1808. His first job was in his hometown of Chestertown. He helped make the church in the town center the main church for the area.

In 1812, Wilmer moved to Alexandria, Virginia. He became the leader of the new St. Paul's Church. For a year, he also led St. John's Church in Washington, D.C.. He later focused only on his work in Alexandria.

Rebuilding the Church

After the American Revolutionary War, the Episcopal Church in Virginia faced many challenges. Wilmer helped to bring new life to the church in the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River areas. He worked with Bishop Richard Channing Moore to make the church stronger across Virginia.

In 1814, Wilmer gave the first sermon at the newly rebuilt Monumental Church in Richmond, Virginia. His church in Alexandria grew so much that a new, larger building was started in 1817.

Writing and Publishing

Wilmer was also a writer. In 1819, he started publishing and editing a journal called the 'Washington Theological Repertory'. This journal aimed to share religious ideas.

In 1822, he published The Episcopal Manual. This book explained the beliefs and practices of the Episcopal Church. It was reprinted several times, even after his death.

Founding a Seminary

Wilmer was worried about the shortage of educated priests. In 1818, he became the first president of a group that helped young men study to become priests. He also helped raise money for the General Theological Seminary in New York City.

He played a key role in founding the Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS). This seminary was created to train new priests. Wilmer taught theology and church history there from 1823 to 1826. The first class at VTS had thirteen students.

President of William & Mary

In 1826, Wilmer moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. He became a professor at the College of William and Mary. He also became the leader of Bruton Parish Church.

He served as the interim president of the College of William and Mary from June to October 1826. Then, he was officially elected as the eleventh president. He served until his death in July 1827 from an illness.

Personal Life and Family

Wilmer Hall at Virginia Theological Seminary

William Holland Wilmer was married three times. His first wife, Harriet Ringgold, died shortly after they married. His second wife, Marion Hannah Cox, died in 1821 after the birth of their sixth child. She is buried at St. Paul's churchyard in Alexandria.

In 1823, he married Ann Brice Fitzhugh, who was much younger than him. They had two children together before he passed away. She also helped raise his children from previous marriages.

Wilmer had several children who became important figures. His son, George Thornton Wilmer, later became a professor at the College of William and Mary. Two of Wilmer's brothers also became Episcopal priests.

Legacy

An updated version of The Episcopal Manual was published after Wilmer's death. It was sometimes called Wilmer's Episcopal Manual.

His personal papers are kept at the College of William and Mary's Special Collections Research Center.

A memorial tablet for Wilmer is still in Bruton Church in Williamsburg. Virginia Theological Seminary named its former library, a residence hall, and a campus street after him. His old church in Alexandria also built a hall named after him, which now houses parish offices and a school.