Algernon Crapsey

From Philosopedia

Algernon Crapsey (1847 - 1927)

Crapsey became an Episcopalian priest known for his eloquence and sermons in favor of social ideals. By supporting the Social Gospel movement that became popular in Protestant circles in the late 19th century and early 20th century, he preached that social problems - for example, poverty, slums, child labor - needed to be resolved using applied Christian ethics. Religion's role, he preached, included becoming socially aware.

Transferred from New York City's Trinity Church to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church on Averill Avenue in Rochester, New York, he led services that were well attended and provocative.

A Voice in the Wilderness (NY: James Potts & Co., 1897) detailed his view that "primitive Christianity" needed to be restored. The book was addressed to the bishops of the Anglo-American Communion and through them to the English-speaking People throughout the World.

Other of his books and sermons were about Jesus's passive resistance as a method of government, the rise of the working class, a defense of the Negro, and the need for utilizing Christian ethics to resolve society's many problems.

Crapsey's progressive views were not popular with many other Episcopal leaders, particularly his views concerning the humanity of Jesus. He had non-literal interpretations of the Bible that included supporting the evolution theory.

In 1906, an ecclesiastical proceeding charged him with heresy, and Crapsey was found guilty, resulting in his no longer being allowed to be an Episcopal priest. He was excommunicated.

Adelaide T. Crapsey (1855-1950), his wife, had many children: Adelaide, Philip, Emily, Paul, Rachel, Algernon Jr., Ruth, Marie, and Arthur. Two died when young. Adelaide became a poet who taught poetics at Smith College. During the heresy trial, the family remained members of the church.

Crapsey formed a self-ordained ministry at the Brotherhood Church, financed by friends and supporters including William Rossiter Seward. In 1907, he was a delegate to the International Peace Conference. He continued to foster social projects and to lecture and write until his death. He is buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.