An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Glossary of Terms


Montgomery, James

(Nov. 4, 1771-Apr. 30, 1854). British newspaper editor and hymn writer. Montgomery was born in Irvine, Ayrshire, England. He was the son of Moravian missionary parents who intended that he […]

Moore, Clement Clarke

(July 15, 1779-July 10, 1863). Seminary professor and renowned poet. He was born in Chelsea in New York City. Moore graduated from Columbia College in 1798. He studied for the […]

Moore, Richard Channing

(Aug. 21, 1762-Nov. 12, 1841). A leading evangelical bishop who was known for his prayer meetings and informal services. He was born in New York City. Moore studied medicine. After […]

Moral Theology

Theology that focuses on development of moral principles and norms and their application to human actions in general and to particular situations. Moral theology provides a systematic framework for casuistry […]

More Hymns and Spiritual Songs

A 1971 hymnal supplement, prepared by the Joint Commission on Church Music of the Episcopal Church and published in a loose-leaf format. It has a wide variety of musical resources, […]

Moreau, Jules Laurence

(Dec. 9, 1917-June 12, 1971). Historian and editor. He was born in Irvington, New Jersey. Moreau received his B.A. from Lehigh University in 1940; his S.T.B. in 1947 and his […]

Morehouse, Clifford Phelps

(Apr. 18, 1904-Feb. 17, 1977). Editor, author, publisher, and ecumenist. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Morehouse received his B.A. in 1925 from Harvard University and his M.A. from Marquette […]

Morehouse, Frederic Cook

(Mar. 19, 1868-June 25, 1932). Editor, author, publisher, and ecumenist. He was born in Milwaukee, and educated privately. In 1885 he assisted his father, Linden Husted Morehouse, in establishing The […]

Morgan, Emily Malbone

(Dec. 10, 1862-Feb. 27, 1937). Founder of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the youngest child of a wealthy family. As […]

Morning Prayer

In many times and places, daybreak has been a time of prayer. Jews prayed in their synagogues at sunrise as well as at other times each day. This Jewish pattern […]

Moscow Agreed Statement

This statement was issued in Aug. 1976 by the Anglican-Orthodox Joint Doctrinal Commission. Subjects treated were: 1) the knowledge of God, 2) the inspiration and authority of Holy Scripture, 3) […]

Most Reverend

See Reverend, The.

Motet

A composition based on a sacred Latin text, sung by two or more voices. It was traditionally unaccompanied. The text sung by the upper part was a paraphrase of the […]

Mother House

Traditionally, it is the headquarters for a community where the superior lives. It is distinguished from branch houses or dependent foundations of the community.

Mothering Sunday

” The fourth Sunday in Lent, also known as Refreshment Sunday and Laetare Sunday. It was the traditional mid-Lent Sunday. It was a time of refreshment and relaxing the penitential […]

Movable Feast

A feast of the church year that is not celebrated on a fixed date. The date of the movable feast’s celebration in each year is determined by other liturgical rules. […]

Mozarabic Rite

The ancient liturgy of the Christian church in Spain. Its center was at Toledo. The term is derived from Arabic, “a would-be Arab.” Its use stems from the centuries when […]

Mozetta, or Mozzetta

A short cape that covers the shoulders. It is fastened at the neck, and it may have a hood. It is traditionally worn by bishops and other ecclesiastical dignitaries.

Muhlenberg Memorial

Statement presented by William Augustus Muhlenberg, rector of the Church of the Holy Communion, New York City, and others to the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church at the […]

Muhlenberg, John Peter Gabriel

(Oct. 1, 1746-Oct. 1, 1807). An eighteenth-century Anglican priest who served Lutheran congregations. He was born in Trappe, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. He went to Halle, Germany, for his education. After […]

172 records

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.