Nathaniel Bowen


Nathaniel Bowen was the third bishop of South Carolina in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Biography

Nathaniel Bowen was born in Boston, son of the Rev. Penuel Bowen. The family moved to South Carolina when Nathaniel was young and his father died soon after. Nathaniel was raised by the Rev. Robert Smith, who became first bishop of South Carolina. Bowen was married in 1805 to Margaret Blake and they had 10 children, only four of whom survived him.
Bowen graduated from the College of Charleston in 1794; was ordained deacon on June 3, 1800 and priest in October 1802. He served as rector of St. John's Church, Providence, Rhode Island, St. Michael's Church, Charleston, South Carolina and Grace Church, New York City. In 1814 he received a doctor of divinity from the University of Pennsylvania. He was consecrated bishop of South Carolina on October 8, 1818, serving until his death in Charleston on August 25, 1839.

Consecrators

Nathaniel Bowen was the 17th bishop consecrated for the Episcopal Church.