John Maury Allin, 1921-1998

John Maury Allin, Presiding Bishop.

Born April 22, 1921 in Helena, Arkansas, John Maury Allin attended college and seminary at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1943 and a Master of Divinity in 1945. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1944 and to the priesthood in 1945, both in the Diocese of Arkansas. His first pastoral assignment was at St. Peter's Episcopal Mission in Conway, Arkansas where he also taught psychology at Arkansas State Teachers College. In 1949, Allin married Frances Ann Kelly, also of Helena, Arkansas, with whom he would raise a son and three daughters. The next eight years were spent in Louisiana, first in New Orleans in several roles -- as curate of St. Andrew's Church, chaplain to Episcopal college students, and Institutional Chaplain of New Orleans. He began a term as rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe, Louisiana in 1952. In 1958 Allin agreed to serve as president and headmaster of All Saints School, Vicksburg, Mississippi. His progression within the leadership of the Episcopal Church began with his appointment as Bishop Coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, held from 1961-1966, followed by his consecration in 1966 as the Sixth Bishop of Mississippi. During this time he also earned two additional advanced degrees, a Master of Education and Doctor of Divinity. [Sources]