Richard H. Baker (bishop)
Richard Henry Baker IV (July 8, 1897 – April 12, 1981) was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, serving from 1959 to 1965.
The Right Reverend Richard Henry Baker D.D. | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of North Carolina | |
 | |
| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | North Carolina |
| In office | 1959–1965 |
| Predecessor | Edwin A. Penick |
| Successor | Thomas Fraser |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | March 1924 by Arthur C. Thomson |
| Consecration | January 25, 1951 by Henry Knox Sherrill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 8, 1897 |
| Died | April 12, 1981 (aged 83) Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Benjamin May Baker & Theodosia Burr Potts |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Lee Small |
| Children | 2 |
| Previous post(s) | Coadjutor Bishop of North Carolina (1951-1959) |
Early life and education
Baker was born on July 8, 1897, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was educated at the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. and later enrolled in the Virginia Theological Seminary to study for the ordained ministry. Baker deployed as an ambulance driver on the French front lines during World War I and received the Croix de Guerre for his courageous service.
Career
Baker was ordained deacon in June 1923 and priest in March 1924. His ministry commenced in Virginia and Louisiana. In 1931 he became rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore, where he remained until his episcopal election.
In 1950, Baker was elected Coadjutor Bishop of North Carolina. He was consecrated in the Church of the Good Shepherd in Raleigh, North Carolina on January 25, 1951, by Presiding Bishop Henry Knox Sherrill.[1] He became diocesan bishop in 1959. He retired in 1965 and moved to Baltimore.
Personal life
Baker married Elizabeth Lee Small and together had two children including the Reverend Richard H. Baker V.
References
- "Dr Baker Consecrated", The Living Church, New York, 04 February 1951. Retrieved on 20 December 2018.
- "Retired North Carolina Bishop Dies" (Press release). Baltimore. Episcopal News Service. April 16, 1981 – via The Archives of the Episcopal Church.