Elected 1862, Day 1; served to 1877

Rev. James Craik, the grandson of a Revolutionary War-era physician by the same name, was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on August 31, 1806.  He began his career as a lawyer, but at age 33 was ordained to the diaconate, and became a priest in 1841.  After serving briefly at St. John’s Church in Charleston, he was called in 1844 to Christ Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where he ministered until 1882, shortly before his death.  A prolific author, Craik was vigorously involved in contemporary theological debates. As the Civil War and Secession loomed on the horizon, he was an outspoken proponent for preserving the Union, and spoke to the Kentucky legislature on the matter.  However, he did not have to test his loyalties as many in the Confederate states did.  After Confederate General Leonidas Polk– also the Bishop of Louisiana– mounted a failed attack on Kentucky, the state petitioned for Union control, and the Diocese of Kentucky remained in the Union.  Rev. Craik was a delegate to the General Convention from 1842 to 1882.  Upon his retirement his son Charles succeeded him as rector of Christ Church.  James Craik died on June 9, 1883.

READ
Address to Kentucky House of Representatives, 1859. An 1859 address by Rev. Craik to the Kentucky House of Representatives, in favor of preserving the Union of the United States.