Hannington, James

(Sept. 3, 1847-Oct. 29, 1885). Missionary bishop and martyr. He was born in Hurstpierpoint, England. Hannington received his B.A. in 1873 and his M.A. in 1875, both from St. Mary's Hall, Oxford. Six years after his ordination to the priesthood in 1876, he volunteered to be a Church Missionary Society missionary at Rubaga in Central Africa. On June 24, 1884, he was consecrated Missionary Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa. Some of the natives feared encroachment from Europeans. Hannington and his companions were seized by Chief Mwanga of Uganda on Oct. 21, 1885. They were tortured and put to death eight days later. Hannington and his companions are commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Oct. 29.