This week in Christian history: John Eliot baptized, trailblazing black bishop dies

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, July 31, 2022

Samuel David Ferguson bishop dies – Aug. 2, 1916

The Right Reverend Samuel David Ferguson (1842-1916), a native of South Carolina who became the first African American member of the Episcopal Church House of Bishops. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Samuel David Ferguson, who became the first black member of The Episcopal Church House of Bishops, died in Liberia.

A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Ferguson moved with his family to Liberia when he was 6. He was ordained in 1867 and later became the bishop of Liberia.

“Consecrated in 1885 as the Missionary Bishop of Cape Palmas and its adjacent territory, the diocese later being changed to that of Liberia and West Africa, he was the first American-born black person to become Bishop of Liberia and the first African American member of the House of Bishops,” explained Episcopal Archives.

“As the fourth Bishop of Liberia, Ferguson made a significant impact on the spiritual and educational growth of the Church in Liberia and on the country itself.”

In addition to being a reporter, Michael Gryboski has also had a novel released titled The Enigma of Father Vera Daniel. For more information, click here.