An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Wilson, Bird

(Jan. 8, 1777-Apr. 14, 1859). Professor of theology and priest. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Wilson graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1792, and was admitted to the bar in 1797. He was president judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Seventh Circuit, Pennsylvania, 1802-1818. Wilson studied for the ordained ministry under Bishop William White. He was ordained deacon on Mar. 12, 1819, and priest in 1820. In 1820-1821, he was rector of St. John's Church, Norristown, and St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania. Wilson was professor of systematic divinity at the General Theological Seminary from 1821 until he retired 1850. He was secretary of the House of Bishops from Aug. 12, 1829, until Oct. 6, 1841. Wilson's major publication was Memoir of the Life of the Rt. Rev. William White (1839). Wilson died in New York City.

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.