Bowen, Nathaniel, Dd

Bowen, Nathaniel, D.D., bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South Carolina, was born in Boston June 29, 1779, and educated at Charleston College, where he graduated in 1794. In 1801 he became chaplain to the Orphan House in Charleston; thence he removed to Providence, R. I., as rector of St. John's. Subsequently he became rector of St. Michael's, Charleston, and afterward of Grace Church, New York, where he remained from 1809 to 1818. Early in 1818 he accepted the episcopate of South Carolina, "without," as he expresses himself, "pride of distinction," and solemnly impressed with the conviction that " humility is the indispensable requisite of elevated station in the ministry." In 1831 he visited England, not merely for purposes of relaxation, but with a view to promote the interests of the Church. After his return his duties were fully discharged, as far as failing health would allow, until his death, Aug. 25, 1839. He published Christian Consolation (1831); Private Prayers (Charleston, 1837), and several occasional sermons and addresses. After his death a selection from his Sermons appeared (N. Y., 2 vols 8vo). -Sprague, Annals, v, 471.