John Gardner Murray was the sixteenth presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Background
Murray was born in Lonaconing, Allegheny County, Maryland. His parents were both born in Scotland. The public schools of Lonaconing provided his early education.
He attended the Wyoming Seminary in Pennsylvania and Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey.
Murray"s education was interrupted by the death of his father.
He worked in mining and manufacturing from 1879 to 1892 in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Alabama. During these years, he kept active in serving his church.
In 1881, he married Harriet M. Sprague. They married in Kansas and took up residence in Alabama.
Their daughter Emeline was born there.
In 1884, Mistress Murray and Emeline drowned when the steamer Belmont capsized on the Ohio River during a cyclone. Five years later, Murray married Clara A. Hunsicker, of the same town in Kansas.
Engaged in business, 1881-1892. Deacon, 1893, priest, 1894, Protestant Episcopal Church. In charge of missionary work in Southern Alabama, 1893-1896.
Rector Church of the Advent, Birmingham, Alabama, 1896-1903, Church of Saint Michael and All Angels, Baltimore, 1903-1909.
Elected bishop of Mississippi, 1903, Kentucky, 1904 (declined both). Consecrated bishop coadjutor Maryland, September 29, 1909, bishop Maryland, January 18, 1911.
Elected presiding bishop Protestant Episcopal Church, October 1925, for term 1926-1931 inclusive. Address: 409 North. Charles Saint, Baltimore, Maryland.
Achievements
Connections
Married Clara A. Hunsicker, of Osage City, Kansas, December 4, 1889. Children: John Gardner, Clara H., Barbara (deceased), Ann K., Ruth, Esther.