This week in Christian history: Tyndale executed, ‘Just a Closer Walk With Thee’ recorded

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 06, 2024

Ethelbert Talbot born – Oct. 9, 1848

Ethelbert Talbot (1848-1928), a former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when Ethelbert Talbot, a former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church known for his mission work in the American Northwest, was born in Fayette, Missouri.

Made the first Missionary Bishop of Wyoming and Idaho in 1886, Talbot is credited with helping to start nearly 40 churches in the region. He also oversaw the building of a cathedral in Laramie, Wyoming.

He became presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church in 1924, rising to the leadership position because of his status as being the most senior bishop in the denomination. Talbot served until 1926, when he retired.

Talbot may have inspired Pierre de Coubertin, one of the founders of the modern Olympic games, to say the famous quote, “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part, for the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”