WilliamReedHuntington.BCP1892

Published at 630 × 875 in Evening Prayer 7.27.16, William Reed Huntington, Liturgist & Ecumenist, 1909
Father Huntington’s liturgical knowledge led to the 1892 revision of the U.S. Prayer Book, which modernized and expanded the pastoral offices, softened some Calvinist notions and introduced prayers for the dead. It was the first significant revision since the original U.S. Book of 1790; its historical importance may be that it paved the way for a much more extensive (and well-loved) revision less than 40 years later. Huntington’s 1892 Book showed Episcopalians they could produce a fine American Book that took advantage of modern scholarship and responded to pastoral needs; and soon enough, they decided not to stop there.

Father Huntington’s liturgical scholarship led to the 1892 revision of the U.S. Prayer Book, which modernized and expanded the pastoral offices, softened certain Calvinist notions and introduced prayers for the dead. In the sweep of history we can see the theological evolution of the American Church in each successive edition, becoming more attuned to the spiritual needs of the faithful and more universal.

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