Hobart, John Henry

(Sept. 14, 1775-Sept. 12, 1830). Bishop, high church leader, and author. His famous phrase describing his position was “Evangelical Truth and Apostolic Order.” He was born in Philadelphia. He studied two years at the College of Philadelphia before transferring to the College of New Jersey, Princeton, where he received his B.A. in 1793. He studied theology under Bishop William White of Pennsylvania. Hobart was ordained deacon on June 3, 1798, and priest on Apr. 5, 1801. He served parishes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York from 1798 to 1830. He was rector of Trinity Church, New York City, 1816-1830. Hobart was consecrated Assistant Bishop of New York on May 29, 1811. He became Bishop of New York on Feb. 27, 1816, and served in that ministry until his death. He was secretary of the House of Bishops at the 1799 General Convention, and secretary of the House of Deputies at the 1804 and 1808 General Conventions. He was one of the leaders in the revival of the Episcopal Church in the first two decades following the American Revolution. Hobart was the leader of the early high church party and a founder of the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He strongly influenced General Seminary to reflect his high church principles. He died in Auburn, New York. His life is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Sept. 12.