James DeKoven

The Rev. Dr. James DeKoven (September 19, 1831 – March 22, 1879) was a priest, an educator, and a leader of the Anglo-Catholic movement in the Episcopal Church.

James DeKoven Educated at Columbia College and General Theological Seminary, he was ordained deacon in 1854 and priest in 1855. He taught at Nashotah House beginning in 1854 and at Racine College beginning in 1859.

At the General Conventions of 1871 and 1874, DeKoven defended the use of candles, incense, and such liturgical gestures as bowing and kneeling. In 1874 he was elected Bishop of Wisconsin, and in 1875 Bishop of Illinois, but because his "ritualist" stance was controversial he did not receive the required consents from other dioceses and never became a bishop.

DeKoven is buried on the grounds of Racine College, now the DeKoven Foundation, in Racine, Wisconsin.

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Readings - 2 Timothy 2:10-15, 19 - Matthew 13:47-52 - Psalm 103:1-4, 13-18 or Psalm 84:7-12

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