Elliott, Stephen

Elliott, Stephen D.D., Protestant Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Georgia, was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, August 31, 1806. At sixteen he entered the sophomore class at Harvard University, but returned during the junior year to South Carolina College, Columbia, where he graduated A.B. in 1825. In 1827 he engaged in the practice of law. "In 1832, under the pressure of a newly-awakened devotion to the cause of Christ, he abandoned his profession, and became a candidate for holy orders. He was ordained by bishop Bowen in 1835, served as deacon one month in the church at Wilton, and was then elected professor of sacred literature and the evidences of Christianity in the South Carolina College. Five years later he was chosen first bishop of Georgia. He was consecrated in February 1841, removed to Savannah, and became rector of St. John's Church. In 1844 he became provisional bishop of Florida. In 1845 he removed to Montpellier, to direct in person the work of female education. Here he spent about seven years of his life, and, like many other bishops, expended his whole fortune in the noble effort. In 1853 he removed to Savannah, and took charge of Christ Church in that city as rector. This office he continued to hold, with the exception of one brief interval, till his death. His numerous home duties did not hinder his visitation of his diocese at least once each year, often much more frequently. But two hours before his decease he had returned, in cheerfulness and apparent health, from one of those long episcopal journeys. Instantly, not to him 'suddenly,' in the midst of his labors, and at the height of his power," he died at his home in Savannah December 21, 1866. — Amer. Quart. Church Review, April 1867, and April 1868.