Hall, Francis Joseph

(Dec. 24, 1857-Mar. 12, 1932). Called the “most notable of Anglo-Catholic theologians” in the Episcopal Church, he was born in Ashtabula, Ohio. Hall received his B.A. in 1882 and his M.A. in 1885, both from Racine College. He then studied for the ordained ministry at the General Theological Seminary and Western Theological Seminary. He was ordained deacon on July 1, 1885 and priest on Feb. 21, 1886. From 1886 until 1913, Hall taught dogmatic theology at Western Theological Seminary. From 1913 until his retirement in 1928, he was professor of dogmatic theology at the General Theological Seminary. He was the author of several works, including the three-volume Theological Outlines (1892-1895) that established his reputation as a scholar. His ten-volume Dogmatic Theology (1907-1922) remains a valuable exposition of traditional catholic theology. Hall was deeply interested in church unity and participated in organizing the World Conference on Faith and Order. He died in Baldwinsville, New York.