This week in Christian history: Charles Stanley elected SBC president, HR Mackintosh dies, Benjamin Bosworth Smith born
Benjamin Bosworth Smith born – June 13, 1794
This week marks the anniversary of when Benjamin Bosworth Smith, a clergyman who served as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, was born in Bristol, Rhode Island.
After serving various parishes, Smith became the first Episcopal bishop of Kentucky in 1832, with the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Kentucky being established under his leadership.
“A controversy arose in the diocese about Smith's ability to function as bishop, rector, and head of the seminary at the same time, and over Smith's management of funds collected for the seminary,” explained An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church. “In Sept. 1837 a formal trial was held and Smith was cleared of the charges against him.”
In addition to being presiding bishop from 1868 to 1884, Smith also served in the secular position of superintendent of public instruction for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
