Charles Edward Cheney

1836-1916. First bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church.* Graduate of Hobart College and the Episcopal seminary in Virginia, he was ordained in 1860 and became rector of Christ Church, Chicago, a position he held until his death. As a low church Episcopalian and pronounced evangelical, he favored “the great fundamental principles held by all evangelical Christians” and opposed both “Romanism” and “radicalism involved in the destructive criticism of God's word.” His practice of omitting the words “regeneration” and “regenerate” from the baptismal service led to his deposition from the ministry, an action which was overruled by the civil court. In 1873, while retaining his rectorship, he with Bishop G.D. Cummins* and others organized the Reformed Episcopal Church.