Chorley, Edward Clowes

(May 6, 1865-Nov. 2, 1949). Historiographer of the Episcopal Church, founder and editor of the Historical Magazine. He was born in Manchester, England. Chorley graduated from Richmond College in England in 1888, and served for a number of years in the Methodist ministry. He then came to the United States. Chorley was ordained deacon on Feb. 23, 1902, and priest on May 25, 1902. After serving as assistant to the rector of Christ Church, Yonkers, New York, 1901-1902, he became rector of Emmanuel Church, Great River, New York, 1902-1906, and assistant at Bethesda Church, Saratoga, New York, 1906-1908. From 1908 until his retirement in 1940, Chorley was rector of St. Philip's Church-in-the-Highlands, Garrison, New York. He served in many positions in the Diocese of New York. He was historiographer of the diocese from 1915 until his death. He served as the fifth historiographer of the Episcopal Church from Oct. 14, 1919, until Oct. l, 1949. He persuaded the General Convention of 1931 to authorize the publication of the Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church, now called Anglican and Episcopal History. Chorley published many articles on the history of the Episcopal Church and six books. Among his books are The New American Prayer Book-Its History and Contents (1929), and Quarter of a Millennium: Trinity Church in the City of New York, 1697-1947 (1947). His magnum opus was Men and Movements in the American Episcopal Church (1946), which were the Hale Lectures delivered at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Chorley died in Cold Spring, New York.