Newton, Richard Heber

(Oct. 31, 1840-Dec. 19, 1914). A major figure in the broad church movement and a leading Episcopal Social Gospel writer. He was born in Philadelphia. Newton received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1861. In 1862-1863 he studied at the Philadelphia Divinity School. He was ordained deacon on Jan. 19, 1862, and priest on July 15, 1866. In 1862-1863 he was assistant minister at St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, where his father was rector. In 1863-1864 he was assistant minister at the Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia. From 1864 until 1866, he was rector of the Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia; and from 1866 until 1869 he was rector of St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia. His most significant ministry was as rector of All Souls' Church, New York, from 1869 until 1902, where he gained the reputation as a leading liberal preacher in the Episcopal Church. He was also called “the prince of preachers to children.” In 1903 he became the preacher at Stanford University in California. William Wilberforce Newton was his son. He died in East Hampton, Long Island, New York. See Newton, William Wilberforce.