Clarence Nicholas Coleridge (November 27, 1930 – August 10, 2023) was a Guyanese-born American Episcopalian clergyman who was the first black bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut, from 1993 to 1999. Prior to that he was the Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut from 1981 to 1993.

The Right Reverend

Clarence Nicholas Coleridge
13th Bishop of Connecticut
ChurchEpiscopal Church
DioceseConnecticut
In office1993–1999
PredecessorArthur E. Walmsley
SuccessorAndrew Smith
Other post(s)Assisting Bishop of Pennsylvania
Previous post(s)Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut (1981-1993)
Orders
OrdinationJanuary 1, 1962
ConsecrationOctober 23, 1981
by John Allin
Personal details
Born(1930-11-27)November 27, 1930
Georgetown, Guyana
DiedAugust 10, 2023(2023-08-10) (aged 92)
DenominationAnglican
ParentsCharles Coleridge & Ina DeWeever
SpouseEuna Jervis Coleridge
Children2

Biography

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Originally from Guyana, Coleridge obtained a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut and a Doctor of Ministry from the Andover Newton Theological School.[1] He was ordained to the diaconate on January 27, 1961, and to the priesthood on January 1, 1962. He was consecrated on October 23, 1981. He has three honorary degrees, including one from Yale Divinity School. Habitat for Humanity built five houses in his name, the Coleridge Commons in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He also started the Bishops Fund for Children, a fund to enhance awareness of the plight of children at risk throughout Connecticut and to raise funds to underwrite social service programs that aid these children in urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods. The fund has so far given out $3.2 million.[citation needed]

Bishop Coleridge was married for over 50 years to Euna J. Coleridge, a high school science teacher who was awarded the Olmstead Award for Teacher of the Year from Williams College. They had two children, Cheryl and Carolyn. Clarence Coleridge died on August 10, 2023, at the age of 92.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Black Is Voted Episcopal Bishop". The New York Times. 1993-06-06. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-08-17.
  2. ^ "The Right Reverend Clarence Nicholas Coleridge". Legacy. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
Episcopal Church (USA) titles
Preceded by 13th Bishop of Connecticut
1993–1999
Succeeded by