Terwilliger, Robert Elwin

(Aug. 28, 1917-June 3, 1991). Bishop and founding director of Trinity Institute, New York. He was born in Cortland, New York. He received his B.A. from Syracuse University in 1939, his B.D. from the Episcopal Theological School in 1943, his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1948, and his S.T.M. from General Theological Seminary in 1949. Terwilliger was ordained deacon on Dec. 7, 1942, and priest on June 29, 1943. He was curate at All Saints Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1942-1944; assistant at Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, Connecticut, 1944-1949; fellow and tutor at the General Theological Seminary, 1947-1949; rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1949-1960; rector of St. James Church, Los Angeles, 1960-1962; and associate pastor at All Saints Church, New York, 1963-1967. In 1967 Terwilliger founded Trinity Institute in New York City. He served as its first director until he was consecrated Suffragan Bishop of Dallas on Dec. 29, 1975. He served in that position until he retired on Apr. 30, 1986. Terwilliger wrote several books and was on the board of trustees of several schools. He was a member of the Anglican-Orthodox International Dialogue. Terwilliger died in Huntington, New York. See Trinity Institute.