Kenyon College - Reveille Yearbook (Gambier, OH)

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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

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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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In personal appearance, Bishop Bedell was a man who, once seen, would never be forgotten. His predecessor, Bishop Mcllvaine, was not only one of the handsomest men ever born, he was of commanding stature and looked “ a very king of men.” Bishop Bedell was not tall, not imposing, except through the calm dignity and winning attractiveness of his lovely counte- nance. During all the years of his active toil in Ohio lie grew in grace, and his face reflected the spiritual growth within, so that men liked to look upon him, feeling sure that his was a most beautiful soul. And they were right. He lived as in the presence of his risen Lord, and the graces of the Master were made visible through him. He labored and became spiritually strong “ by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of tmth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left.” The chief moral characteristic of Bishop Bedell can best be described by the word beautiful. In his character there was both strength and beauty. The same can be said of Bishop Mcllvaine. But in Bishop Bedell beauty predominated, as in Bishop Mcllvaine strength predominated. The older Bishop excelled the younger Bishop in qualities of leadership; the younger Bishop excelled the older Bishop in loveliness of personal character. As a preacher, at his best, Bishop Bedell was great. This greatness came with advancing years. During the years of his New York rectorship he was interesting and attractive. With his charming appearance, his gift of rhetorical expression, and his matchless voice, he could never be less than that. But when he broadened under the freer life of Ohio, and the large outlook of the Episcopate, he became a preacher of genuine power. He was always the artist. He became as Bishop of Ohio the gifted and effective orator. He will never be forgotten by those who were privileged to listen to his fitting and burning words. In manner lie was the embodiment of grace; and how musical the cadences of his voice! It were worth a journey of many miles to hear him repeat “ You ask me when I gave my heart to Christ,” or some other poem that had deeply moved him. His imagination lifted his spirit up as on wings. This was one of the chief sources of his power. What pictures he drew! and how vividly! When he spoke at length of the Resurrection, one who listened thought himself at the judgment bar. 7