Payne, John

(Jan. 9, 1815-Oct. 23, 1874). First Missionary Bishop sent to Africa by the Episcopal Church. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Payne graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1833 and from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1836. He was ordained deacon on July 17, 1836. Payne sailed at once for Africa, where he worked for five years. He returned to the United States and was ordained priest on July 18, 1841. He returned to Liberia to work. Payne was consecrated Missionary Bishop of Cape Palmas and Parts Adjacent on July 11, 1851. This jurisdiction later became the Missionary District of Liberia. He resigned as bishop on Oct. 21, 1871, because of ill health. He returned to the United States and died at his home, “Cavalla,” in Westmoreland County. The Bishop Payne Divinity School in Petersburg, Virginia, was named in his honor.