May, James

(Oct. 1, 1805-Dec. 18, 1863). Seminary professor. He was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania. May received his B.A. in 1823 from Jefferson College. He entered Virginia Theological Seminary in 1826, and left in that same year to finish his theological studies with the Rev. George Boyd in Philadelphia. May was ordained deacon on Dec. 24, 1826, and priest on Oct. 11, 1829. He was rector of St. Stephen's Church, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 1827-1836, and rector of St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, 1836-1840. In 1842 May became Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Virginia Theological Seminary. He remained there until 1861, when he was driven from the seminary by the Civil War. From 1861 until 1863 he taught at the Philadelphia Divinity School. May was Editor of the Philadelphia Recorder and the Protestant Episcopal Review. He was noted for his evangelical character and piety. May died in Philadelphia.