Rightmyer, Nelson Waite

(July 19, 1911-Sept. 29, 1983). Historian and seminary professor. He was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. Rightmyer received his M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1935, his Th.B. from the Philadelphia Divinity School in 1935, his Ed.D. from Temple University in 1945, his Ed.M. from Loyola College (Baltimore) in 1961, and his Ph.D. from International University in 1977. He was ordained deacon on June 7, 1934, and priest on July 17, 1935. Rightmyer was curate at St. Luke and Epiphany Church, Philadelphia, 1934-1937, and rector of St. Peter's Church, Lewes, and All Saints' Church, Rehoboth, Delaware, 1937-1947. He was lecturer at the Philadelphia Divinity School, 1945-1947, and then professor of ecclesiastical history there from 1947 until 1952. After several parochial responsibilities, Rightmyer was professor of church history at the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, from 1968 until his retirement in 1973. While at St. Mary's, Rightmyer was rector of St. George's Church, Baltimore. He was a long time member of the Board of Managers of the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church, and historiographer of the Diocese of Maryland, 1952-1973. He wrote The Anglican Church in Delaware (1947), and Maryland's Established Church (1957). He contributed numerous articles to the Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Rightmyer died in Shelby, North Carolina.