12 Facts About Samuel Provoost

Samuel Provoost was the first chaplain of the United States Senate and the first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, as well as the third Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA.

Samuel Provoost was consecrated as bishop of New York in 1787 with Bishop William White.

Samuel Provoost was the first Episcopal Bishop of Dutch and Huguenot ancestry.

Samuel Provoost was a descendant of William Provoost, who was of a Huguenot family.

Samuel Provoost eventually continued his studies at Peterhouse, Cambridge, from which he graduated with a second BA in 1766.

Samuel Provoost was fluent in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, and while he was at Cambridge he learned French and Italian gaining the distinction as a linguist.

Samuel Provoost's dry preaching style, along with his support for American independence, offended some church members and in 1769 a motion was made in the vestry to dispense with his services.

The vestry subsequently resolved "That Mr Provoost be continued, and paid by what can be raised by subscription only," but funds weren't forthcoming and in 1771 Provoost resigned and settled in Dutchess County near his friends Walter Livingston and Robert R Livingston.

In 1786 Samuel Provoost was elected first Bishop of New York at the Diocesan Convention.

In 1787, Samuel Provoost was consecrated with Dr William White at Lambeth Place by Dr John Moore.

Samuel Provoost effectively retired, but remained Bishop until his death in 1815.

Samuel Provoost was the third21 bishop consecrated for the Episcopal Church of the United States.