Morgan Porteus


Morgan Porteus was an Episcopal clergyman in Connecticut who served as the eleventh bishop of that state.

Early life and education

Porteus was born on August 10, 1917, in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1941 he graduated with a B.A. in History and Government from Bates College. Later he studied theology at the Episcopal Theological School from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1943.

Ordination

Porteus was ordained to the diaconate on September 29, 1943, and to the priesthood on June 1, 1944. He served as rector of St Peter's Church in Cheshire, Connecticut from 1944 to 1971.

Bishop

Porteus was elected Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut in 1971 and was consecrated on October 13, 1971 by Presiding Bishop John E. Hines, a consecration which was recorded live by radio and television, something rare for that time. In 1975 he was elected as bishop coadjutor of Connecticut and on September 1, 1977 succeeded as diocesan bishop and was installed on November 19, 1977. He retired in 1981 due to health complications. Porteus died in Wellfleet, Massachusetts in December 2019 at the age of 102.