David Bentley (bishop of Barbados)

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David Williams Bentley CBE (1882–1970) was the 7th Bishop of Barbados.

Born in Liverpool, he was ordained in 1906 and served as a curate in Barrow-in-Furness from 1906–1910.[1] Educated at Durham University, he served as President of St Cuthbert's Society in 1910, establishing a reputation as a scholar, a dedicated oarsman and a committed and proselytising socialist[2] having acquired his socialism when serving as curate in the slums of Barrow. A curacy in Bethnal Green (1910–1914) was followed by two years as Vicar of St Matthias Plaistow.[3]

In 1917 he emigrated to the Caribbean to take up the post of Warden of St Peter's College, Jamaica.[4] He was consecrated bishop in 1919, after which he served as Suffragan Bishop of Jamaica until he was appointed Bishop of Barbados in 1927.[5] A particular feature of his episcopacy was the promotion of education, and in 1938 he was appointed a CBE for his services to education in Barbados.

"A forceful and lovely preacher, Dr Bentley always received a warm welcome at all the Parishes which he visited ..."[6]

Bentley retired in 1945 but continued to live in Barbados until his death in 1970.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Malden Richard (ed) (1920). Crockford's Clerical Directory for 1920 (51st edn). London: The Field Press. p. 115.
  2. ^ Tudor, Henry: St Cuthbert's Society 1888-1988. The history of a "modest but exciting institution in the University of Durham", 1988, p.48
  3. ^ "EoLFHS Parishes: Plaistow". Archived from the original on 8 August 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
  4. ^ Now part of the University of the West Indies
  5. ^ The Times, Friday, Apr 22, 1927; pg. 15; Issue 44562; col D Ecclesiastical News. New Bishop Of Barbados
  6. ^ Website of the Anglican Diocese of Barbados: http://www.anglican.bb/barbadosbishops/bentley
Anglican Communion titles
Preceded by Bishop of Barbados
1927–1945
Succeeded by