Kemp, James

(May 20, 1764-Oct. 28, 1827). Second Bishop of Maryland. He was born in the parish of Keith Hall, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and raised a Presbyterian. Kemp graduated from Marischal College, Aberdeen, in 1786, and came to America in the next year. He was attracted to the Episcopal Church and read for holy orders under the Rev. John Bowie, rector of Great Choptank Parish on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He was ordained deacon on Dec. 26, 1789, and priest on Dec. 27, 1789. From 1790 until 1813, Kemp was rector of Great Choptank Parish, and in 1813-1814, he was associate rector of St. Paul's Church, Baltimore. On Sept. 1, 1814, he was consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Maryland, with the intention of succeeding the diocesan bishop. He became the second Bishop of Maryland on Aug. 2, 1816, and held that position until his death. Kemp was a high churchman. His election and consecration caused a minor schism in the church when some of his opponents formed the Evangelical Episcopal Church. Kemp died in New Castle, Delaware. See Evangelical Episcopal Church.