This week in Christian history: NY diocese formed, Friedrich Myconius dies, Thomas Brownell ordained

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, April 06, 2025

Thomas Brownell ordained – April 11, 1816

This week marks the anniversary of when Thomas Church Brownell, who served as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church from 1852-1865, was ordained a deacon.

A native of Westport, Massachusetts, Brownell was made a priest shortly after becoming a deacon, and was consecrated bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut in 1819.

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

Subscribe

In 1823, he helped found Washington College, which was eventually renamed Trinity College in 1845, and was its president until 1831. In 1852, he became the head of the denomination.

“While Bishop of Connecticut he made several missionary trips through Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama,” according to An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church.

“On Sept. 20, 1852, he became Presiding Bishop and served until his death. Brownell published more than ten books, the most important being Commentary on the Book of Common Prayer (1843).”