John Strachan
Bishop of Toronto and leader of the Family Compact of Upper Canada / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Strachan (/ˈstrɔːn/; 12 April 1778 – 1 November 1867) was a notable figure in Upper Canada, an "elite member" of the Family Compact, and the first Anglican Bishop of Toronto. He is best known as a political bishop who held many government positions and promoted education from common schools to helping to found the University of Toronto.
John Strachan | |
---|---|
Bishop of Toronto | |
Church | Church of England |
Diocese | Toronto |
Appointed | 1839 |
In office | 1839–1867 |
Successor | Alexander Bethune |
Orders | |
Ordination | 1803 (priest) |
Consecration | 1839 |
Personal details | |
Born | (1778-04-12)12 April 1778 |
Died | 1 November 1867(1867-11-01) (aged 89) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Buried | Beneath the high altar at the Cathedral Church of St. James, Toronto |
Nationality | Scottish |
Denomination | Anglicanism |
Parents |
|
Spouse |
Ann McGill
(m. 1808; died 1865) |
Alma mater | King's College, Aberdeen |
Gauvreau says in the 1820s he was "the most eloquent and powerful Upper Canadian exponent of an anti-republican social order based upon the tory principles of hierarchy and subordination in both church and state".[1] Craig characterizes him as "the Canadian arch tory of his era" for his intense conservatism.[2] Craig argues that Strachan "believed in an ordered society, an established church, the prerogative of the crown, and prescriptive rights; he did not believe that the voice of the people was the voice of God".[2]
Strachan built his home in a large yard bound by Simcoe Street, York Street, and Front Street. It was a two-storey building that was the first building in Toronto to use locally manufactured bricks. The gardens and grounds of the property occupied the entire square and became a local Toronto landmark, being given the name "The Bishop's Palace". After Strachan's death, the home was converted into a private hotel called The Palace Boarding House.[3]