George R. Selway

Selway was born in Steubenville, Ohio on June 4, 1905, the son of Richard David Selway and Jennett Williams. He was educated in public schools, and then at Kenyon College where he was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity.[2] He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1929 and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity in 1947. He also studied at Bexley Hall from where he earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1930.

Selway was ordained deacon in June 1930 and priest in May 1931 by the Bishop of Ohio Warren Lincoln Rogers. He married Edna Marie Wright on September 17, 1934, and together had four children. He served as priest-in-charge of Trinity Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio between 1930 and 1932, and then as curate of St Paul's Church in Akron, Ohio between 1932 and 1934. In 1934, he became rector of St Mark's Church in Toledo, Ohio, where he remained till 1945. He served as rector of St Paul's Church in Lansing, Michigan from 1945 to 1959.[3] Prior to his election as bishop, he was dean of Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix.[4]

Selway was consecrated as bishop on October 1, 1964 in St Paul's Church, Marquette, Michigan. He was very liberal and concerned with urban problems and social activism which weren't priorities for many in his new diocese. However, he was an avid fly fisherman, hunter, and sailor. These qualities, and much travel, helped him fit in with the people of northern Michigan.[3] As bishop he dispersed more leadership responsibilities to lay people, which paved the way for the Mutual Ministry model used today.[5] In 1969, women in the diocese were allowed to become wardens of vestries. He was also able to make progress in increasing base pay and benefits for the clergy in the diocese[3]

After his retirement in 1972, he became the first executive director of Episcopal Community Services in Arizona.[6]