Kenyon College - Reveille Yearbook (Gambier, OH)

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I ishof) Iredell r I 'HE Right Reverend Gregory Thurston Bedell, Doctor in Divinity, third Bishop of Ohio, was horn in Hudson, New York, August 27, A. D. 1817. His mother was a gifted and a godly woman; his father was a clergyman of great personal charm and brave devotion to his work. In Philadelphia, where he lived for many years as Rector of St. Andrew’s Church, his wonderful gifts of eloquence are still remembered. The son was blessed both in his father and his mother; and never ceased to be grateful for the influence and training of a Christian home. He was also blessed through the teaching and example of that pure and blessed saint, William Augustus Mahlenberg, to whose school on Long Island he was sent whilst still a l oy. From this school he passed to his college work, which was faithfully done and in which he obtained distinction. The college, however, was but a feeble taper, and soon expired. Its only graduating class was that of which he was the foremost member. His theological course was pursued at Alexandria, Virginia, an institu- tion which has trained many of the foremost clergymen in the American Church. His grand uncle, the Right Reverend Richard Channing Moore, Doctor in Divinity, was then Bishop of Virginia. He was ordained to the deaconship by this good Bishop in July, A. I). 1840; and to the priesthood in the following year. This saintly old man was then on the verge of the grave, but he made the journey northward that he might lay his hands in blessing on one whom he dearly loved, and whose success in the ministry he ardently desired. The testimony of his nephew then and afterward was, that “a more affectionate, laborious,zealous, devoted, eloquent father in our Israel sleeps not in the tomb than good uncle Moore.” Bishop Bedell’s first parish was at West Chester, Pa., where he remained for three years. He was then called to one of the most influential parishes in 5

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America, the Church of the Ascension, in New York. During the sixteen years of his Rectorship his parish became stronger year by year. The work was well organized; the Rector was faithful and zealous; the field was a good one, and so large outward prosperity came. In 1859, Dr. Bedell was elected Assistant Bishop of Ohio, that he might strengthen the hands of the great and good Bishop Mcllvaine. He was consecrated in Richmond, Virginia, during the session of the General Convention which met there in the days “before the war.” When he came to Ohio, Bishop Bedell was forty-two years old. His physical health was good, his spirit enthusiastic, his hopes were heating high. He was warmly welcomed by the Bishop and by the Diocese. Bishop Mcllvaine felt toward Bishop Bedell as toward a “loving son.” Bishop Bedell cherished for Bishop Mcllvaine feelings of unbounded admir- ation and veneration. So it was easy for them to work together “ without a jar or jealousy.” The dark days of the Civil War followed. Of Bishop Bedell, as a quiet actor then, ex-Gov. J. D. Cox has very well said, that “through all the period of war and turmoil it is profitable to think how one man of apostolic character, unwavering faith, and self-sacrificing labors could do so much to preserve spiritual life in a community torn by wild excitement, to build up religion, to foster love for the Church, and to make the most un- toward circumstances tell for its advancement.” Bishop Mcllvaine died in 1873. With a wounded heart Bishop Bedell cried aloud, “ My father, my father, the Chariot of Israel and the Horseman thereof.” He craved a double portion of that father’s spirit, and it came to him. F or fifteen years, Bishop Bedell labored alone as Bishop of Ohio. He carried his burden when it should have been transferred to other shoulders, or, at least, when help should have been provided. Somebody was needed to do foi him what he had done for Bishop Mcllvaine. But he could not see that he was failing, and ever growing feeble through carrying the load which was pressing him down. So, ere relief was afforded his work was ddne. He was able only to rejoice in spirit upon the consecration of his successor in October, 1889. Thereafter he was an invalid, residing chiefly in New York, until his death in March, 1892. 6