Glossary of Terms
Wainwright, Jonathan Mayhew
(Feb. 24, 1792-Sept. 21, 1854). Bishop and music editor. He was born in Liverpool, England, and came to the United States in 1803. He graduated from Harvard in 1812. Wainwright […]
Wake
A vigil or watch in the presence of the body of a deceased person prior to burial. It may be in the church, a funeral parlor, or a home. The […]
Walker, John Thomas
(July 27, 1925-Sept. 30, 1989). Bishop and first African American to graduate from the Virginia Theological Seminary. He was born in Barnesville, Georgia. He received his B.A. from Wayne State […]
Wardens of a Parish
Officers of a parish. Two wardens are typically selected to serve with members of the vestry. The wardens are generally ranked “senior” and “junior.” The mode of selection and duties […]
Washburn, Henry Bradford
(Dec. 2, 1869-Apr. 25, 1962). Priest and seminary professor. He was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Washburn received his B.A. from Harvard in 1891 and his B.D. from the Episcopal Theological […]
Washing of Feet
See Foot Washing.
Washing of the Altar
It is customary for the altar to be stripped after the Maundy Thursday liturgy. The BOS appoints Ps 22 and an antiphon for use if the stripping of the altar […]
Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland
College formerly associated with the Episcopal Church. In early 1780 the Rev. William Smith became the principal of Kent County Free School, Chestertown, Maryland, which began instruction around 1729-1730. Kent […]
Washington College, Hartford, Connecticut
See Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut.
Washington National Cathedral
See Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, The.
Washington Theological Repertory
This monthly journal first appeared in Aug. 1819 and was founded and edited by William Holland Wilmer. Any profits were to go to the Society for the Education of Pious […]
Washington, Diocese of
The 1895 General Convention voted to divide the Diocese of Maryland and form the Diocese of Washington. The new diocese includes the District of Columbia and four Maryland counties: Charles, […]
Washington, George
(Feb. 22, 1732-Dec. 14, 1799). First President of the United States and Episcopal vestryman. He was born on the family estate “Wakefield” in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Washington was baptized on […]
Watch
A period of “staying awake” for spiritual reasons. Traditionally, watches have been kept before the Blessed Sacrament on the night of Maundy Thursday at the “Altar of Repose.” Watches may […]
Watchman, The
This periodical appeared in Mar. 1819 and was published in New Haven, Connecticut. There was probably only one issue since no trace of any other issue has appeared.
Water
Water is a major element in religious rituals. It is a natural symbol of birth, fertility, life, and cleansing. To emerge from the waters is to be clean and fresh […]
Watts, Isaac
(July 17, 1674-Nov. 25, 1748). Nonconformist clergyman. He was born in Southampton, England. He served from 1699 to 1702 as assistant and from 1702 until 1712 as pastor of an […]
Wattson, Paul James Francis
(Jan. 16, 1863-Feb. 8, 1940). Founder of the Church Unity Octave, which was a precursor of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. He was born in Millington, Maryland, and […]
Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross)
A devotion to the Passion of Christ which recalls a series of events at the end of Jesus' life from his condemnation to his burial. The Way of the Cross […]
Wayside Cathedral
Founded in 1941 by Bishop Henry Wise Hobson of Southern Ohio, this program provided a “church on wheels” to minister in areas with no Episcopal parish. Its inspiration was a […]
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.