Higgins, John Seville

(Apr. 14, 1904-Dec. 28, 1992). Bishop and ecumenist. He was born in London, England. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1928 and Western Theological Seminary in Chicago in 1931. He was ordained deacon on May 1, 1931, and priest on Nov. 1, 1931. Higgins served parishes in Nevada, Illinois, and Minnesota before becoming rector of St. Martin's Church, Providence, Rhode Island, in 1948. He was elected Bishop Coadjutor of Rhode Island in Nov. 1952 and consecrated on Feb. 4, 1953. He became Bishop of Rhode Island on Jan. 1, 1955. Higgins's episcopate coincided with a period of rapid growth in the 1950s, and he provided critical leadership in the rebuilding of the diocesan headquarters in Providence in the mid-1960s. He was also a committed ecumenist who was instrumental in the formation of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches. Higgins retired in 1972, but he remained active in local and national church affairs until his death.