George Moyer Alexander

George Moyer Alexander (May 15, 1914 – January 9, 1983) was fifth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina, serving from 1973 to 1979.

The Right Reverend

George Moyer Alexander

D.D., D.C.L., S.T.D.
Bishop of Upper South Carolina
ChurchEpiscopal Church
DioceseUpper South Carolina
ElectedJuly 18, 1972
In office1973–1979
SuccessorJohn A. Pinckney
Opposed toWilliam A. Beckham
Orders
OrdinationJanuary 1940
by Frank Juhan
ConsecrationJanuary 5, 1973
by John E. Hines
Personal details
Born(1914-05-15)May 15, 1914
DiedJanuary 9, 1983(1983-01-09) (aged 68)
Columbia, South Carolina, United States
BuriedTrinity Cathedral yard
DenominationAnglican
ParentsGeorge Rowell Alexander & Monimia Starrat
SpouseMary Danto Bedell
Children2
Alma materUniversity of the South

Early life and education

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Alexander was born on May 15, 1914, in Jacksonville, Florida, the son of George Rowell Alexander and Monimia Starrat. He was educated at the Jacksonville High School, before attending the University of Florida in 1935.[1] He married Mary Danto Bedell on May 25, 1935, and together had two sons. He then studied at the University of the South from where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1938, a Bachelor of Divinity in 1939, and a Master of Sacred Theology in 1957, and awarded a Doctor of Civil Law in 1973. He also earned a Doctor of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 1957, and a Doctor of Sacred Theology from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1957.[2]

Ordained ministry

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Alexander was ordained deacon in 1939 and priest in January 1940 by Bishop Frank Juhan of Florida.[3] He became priest-in-charge of St Mary's Church in Green Cove Springs, Florida and of Grace Church in Orange Park, Florida, and served from 1939 till 1942. In 1942, he became rector of St Mark's Church in Palatka, Florida and priest-in-charge of St Paul's Church in Federal Point, Florida, while in 1945 he transferred to Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, Florida to serve as its rector. Between 1949 and 1955, he served as rector of Trinity Church in Columbia, South Carolina, while between 1955 and 1956, he served as a fellow at the General Theological Seminary. Alexander was appointed Dean of the School of Theology at the University of the South, a post he retained till 1973.[4]

Bishop

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On July 18, 1972, at a special Convention of the Diocese, Alexander was elected as the fifth Bishop of Upper South Carolina. He was consecrated on January 5, 1973, in Trinity Church, by Presiding Bishop John E. Hines. During his episcopacy, Alexander was instrumental in established Trinity Church as the diocesan cathedral. Alexander retired in 1979.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Bishop Alexander Dies". Presidents and Deans of American Colleges and Universities. 8: 11. 1966.
  2. ^ Marquis Who's Who (1978). Who's who in the South and Southwest, p. 10. Marquis Who's Who, Berkeley Heights, NJ. ISBN 0837908167.
  3. ^ Fish, C. S. (1953). "Alexander, George Moyer". Stowe's Clerical Directory of the American Episcopal Church: 4.
  4. ^ Marquis Who's Who (1977). Who's Who in Religion 1977-78, p. 8. Marquis Who's Who, Berkeley Heights, NJ. ISBN 083791602X.
  5. ^ "Bishop Alexander Dies". The Living Church. 186: 7. 20 February 1983.