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May, James

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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May, Johann Heinrich (1)

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D.D., an Episcopal divine and theological educator, was born in Chester County, Pa., Oct. 1, 1805. He entered Jefferson College, Pa., in 1822; graduated with distinction; commenced the study of law, but finally entered the theological seminary at Alexandria, Va. He was ordained by bishop White in 1827, and first settled in Wilkesbarre, Pa., where he remained two years. In 1836 he became rector of St. Paul's parish, Philadelphia. While there he was engaged with Dr. Clark, then rector of St. Andrew's Church, Dr. Tyng, then rector of the Church of the Epiphany, and with Dr. Suddards, then and still rector of Grace Church, in the editorial management of the Episcopal Recorder. His health failing at this time, he was led to seek restoration in foreign travel. Two years were thus spent abroad. After his return, he accepted the position of professor of pastoral theology and ecclesiastical history in the Alexandria Seminary, his alma mater. The outbreak of the rebellion in 1861 closing the operations of that school, he removed to Philadelphia, and became professor of ecclesiastical history and systematic theology in the divinity school just organized. He remained there until his death. Dec. 18, 1863. But few men have so thoroughly won the affections of those with whom they were associated. Apparently not an impulsive man, he was by no means a person of cold and unimpulsive temper, but full of deep feeling. He has influenced the training of hundreds now in the ministry, who will greatly miss his counsels, and the encouragement his sympathy and personal attainments gave them. He was remarkable for the unvarying symmetry and depth of his Christian character, and seemed like one inspired by Gospel principles, rather than controlled by them, so perfectly natural and habitual was his manifestation of them. See Am. Ch. Rev. 1864, p. 150.