The Rev. Henry Purdon, D.D.

Henry Purdon was born at Dublin, Ireland, August 15th, 1835. He was educated at Trinity College in Dublin. Dr. Purdon came to the United States at the age of 19, and continued his studies at Union College, from which he graduated in 1857. In that same year, he entered the Theological Seminary of Virginia, graduating in 1859. He then became a deacon in July of that year. Henry Purdon went to China to engage in missionary work, but returned to America in 1860. On April 6th, 1862 he was ordained to the priesthood, and on June 29th,1876 he received the degree of Doctor in Divinity from the Theological Seminary of the Diocese of Ohio.

Dr. Purdon came to St. James in 1862 and was the rector here for thirty-six years.He had the courage and far sightedness of a true missionary, firm and unshaken in the faith, loyal to his church and people. Enthusiasm, perserverance and stability characterized his work, as proven by his many years of service at St. James, and the many blessed results of his ministry to the surrounding region. Not only did he build up the material fabric of the church, but he inspired the love of God in the hearts of those to whom he ministered. "He was a friend of man, a devout churchman, a loyal priest, a painstaking rector, an excellant theologian, an intelligent preacher, an earnest man, a most respected citizen; these things all men say of him."The above is quoted from various publications at the time of his death.