Today the Episcopal Church remembers the life and ministry of John Henry Hobart. He was short, nearsighted, melodramatic in the pulpit. Hobart spoke rapidly and with emotion, and he was anything but reserved. But above all, Hobart was a tireless worker for the Kingdom of God.
Hobart was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 14 September 1775 and he died on this day in 1830. Hobart’s father, a ship’s captain, died when Hobart was just an infant. He went to the University of Pennsylvania and in his third year he transferred to Princeton where he received his bachelor and master’s degrees. While Hobart worked as a tutor at Princeton from 1797 to 1798, he studied theology under William White, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. Hobart was ordained deacon by Bishop White in 1798 and as a priest in 1800. After serving a few parishes, Hobart went to Trinity on Wall Street in New York as an associate in 1803. By 1811, he became assistant Bishop of New York, with right of succession. Hobart was tireless in his work. He was one of the founders of General Theological Seminary and Geneva (later Hobart College).
Hobart made sure he visited each parish annually within his diocese of 46,000 square miles and a wilderness. He thought nothing of riding 2000 miles for winter visitations and 4000 miles when it was warmer. Hobart knew the clergy of his Diocese; he knew their backgrounds and remembered their families. Hobart forgave their frailties, and appreciated their strengths. He watched over candidates for Holy Orders with a paternal interest and he met with them weekly. He took 26 clergy at the beginning of his episcopate in 1811 and quintupled them to 133 by his death; watched the number of parishes increase from about 50 to almost 170; and he confirmed some 15,000 people. Hobart was a supporter of missions to the Oneida Indians.
As James Kiefer writes, “this lovable, indefatigable, type-A bishop went virtually nonstop from his ordination until his death. The only surprise was that he didn't die sooner. … Troubled for years with what was most likely a bleeding ulcer, with rest and medication he would generally rebound. … At midnight, September 7, 1830, a young clergyman rode in a stage through Auburn on his way to Binghamton. Passing the rectory of St. Peter's Church, he was puzzled to see a light so late. He rapped for the stage to stop and soon learned from the rector, John Rudd, that Bishop Hobart was ill. Francis Cuming remained to assist in any way he could. … Amidst his pain, Hobart found time to offer advice to Cuming: "Be sure that in all your preaching the doctrines of the Cross be introduced: no preaching is good for anything without these." Cuming writes: "His pains were so severe he could not give his mind to them unless they were short, and when I had invoked our Heavenly Father to continue to be gracious to his suffering servant; and that whereas he had studied to approve himself to God upon earth, he might be permitted to stand approved by his Master in heaven, he interrupted me by saying, 'Amen: O yes, God grant it, but with all humility I ask it.' … Early Sunday morning, September 12, 1830, John Henry Hobart died, aged 55. The funeral took place in New York City on September 16. The mourners included the governor of the state and the mayor of New York City, and the procession was estimated at nearly 3,000.
Hobart is an example and an inspiration to clergy of what they are called to do; to live a life tirelessly dedicated in service to God and his people.
Let us pray: Revive your Church, Lord God of hosts, whenever it falls into complacency and sloth, by raising up devoted leaders, like your servant John Henry Hobart whom we remember this day; and grant that their faith and vigor of mind may awaken your people to your message and their mission; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Seaside Seniors, Thursday, 18 September 2014 starting at 11 AM.
Invite Someone to Church Sunday is on the 21st of September 2014. Please invite someone to Church to experience the joy of the Good News.
Church Women United: Human Rights Celebration: “We Are in God’s Hands and We Are God’s Hands”, Friday, 26 September 2014 from 11 AM to 1 PM. Everyone is invited!
St. Vincent’s Feast Day and the 60th Anniversary of St. Vincent’s House will be celebrated the weekend of 27 and 28 September 2014. We will have the installation of the new director of St. Vincent’s House, the Rev. Freda Marie Brown, on Saturday, 27 September 2014 starting at 10 AM, the Houston’s Hero Award and then on the 28th the Eucharist at St. Augustine’s at 9 AM with Bishop Jeff Fisher and then the dinner starting at 3 PM. Don’t miss this!
The 6th Annual Art Show, “Let There Be Light,” will start on the 4th of October and last for 1 week.
Please remember everyone on our Prayer List.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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