Doane, William Croswell

(Mar. 2, 1832-May 17, 1913). Leader of the high church party. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Doane graduated from Burlington College in 1850. He studied for the ordained ministry under his father, George Washington Doane, the second Bishop of New Jersey. He was ordained deacon on Mar. 6, 1853, and began his ministry as assistant to his father at St. Mary's Church, Burlington. Doane was ordained priest on Mar. 16, 1856. He founded St. Barnabas Free Church in northern Burlington, where he was rector from 1856 until 1860. He succeeded his father as rector of St. Mary's and served there from 1860 until 1863. While in Burlington he taught English literature at Burlington College. Doane was rector of St. John's Church, Hartford, Connecticut, from 1863 until 1867. On Feb. 2, 1869, he was consecrated the first Bishop of Albany. He served in that position until his death. He founded the Cathedral of All Saints, Albany, in 1872, and the Sisterhood of the Holy Child Jesus in 1873. Doane was a leader of the high church party. He insisted on a weekly eucharist. He was a poet. The Hymnal 1982 includes his hymn text, “Ancient of Days,” (Hymn 363). Doane died in New York City.