This week in Christian history: Joan of Arc interrogated, Episcopal Church leader takes power

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Sunday, February 16, 2025

Ethelbert Talbot becomes presiding bishop – Feb. 18, 1924

This week marks the anniversary of when Ethelbert Talbot became head of The Episcopal Church due to his seniority status, serving until he retired in 1926.

A native of Fayette, Missouri, Talbot was known for his mission work in the American Northwest. He was made the first Missionary Bishop of Wyoming and Idaho in 1886, and is credited with starting nearly 40 churches in the region.

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Talbot succeeded Presiding Bishop Alexander Charles Garrett, who died in Dallas, Texas, after serving as head of the mainline Protestant denomination for about a year.

The modern Episcopal Church practice of electing presiding bishops would first occur with talbot’s successor, Presiding Bishop John Gardner Murray.