Manning, William Thomas

(May 12, 1866-Nov. 18, 1949). Tenth Bishop of New York. Manning was born in Northampton, England. In 1882 his family came to the United States, and in 1888 Manning entered the College of the University of the South and enrolled in its School of Theology at the same time. In 1894 he was granted the B.D. degree. While at the University of the South he was greatly influenced by William Porcher DuBose and assisted DuBose in writing The Soteriology of the New Testament (1892). Manning was ordained deacon on Dec. 12, 1889, and priest on Dec. 12, 1891. From 1891 until 1893 he was rector of Trinity Church, Redlands, California. From 1893 until 1895 he was Professor of Systematic Divinity at the School of Theology of the University of the South. After serving as rector of St. John's Church, Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, 1896-1898, he was rector of Christ Church, Nashville, 1898-1903. Manning then served as vicar of St. Agnes', New York, 1903-1904, assistant rector of Trinity Church, New York, 1904-1908, and rector from 1908 until 1921. On May 11, 1921, he was consecrated Bishop of New York and served in that position until he retired on Dec. 31, 1946. One of his major accomplishments was the building of the nave of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which was completed in 1939. Manning died in New York City.