| 1776 | Declaration of Independence by American colonies. Two-thirds of the signers are nominal members of the Church of England, but they do not want the colonies to be governed by bishops. Many Anglicans flee to Canada or remain as Tories. |
| 1782 | William White, rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia, writes "The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States Considered", suggesting clergy and laity elect some bishops and not bother about apostolic succession yet. |
| 1784 | Samuel Seabury consecrated first American bishop by Scottish bishops (Nov. 14) |
| 1785 | "General Convention" is boycotted by Seabury and the New Englanders because provision has not been made for a bishop to preside. The name "Protestant Episcopal Church" is chosen. |
| 1786 | Another "General Convention" learns Archbishop of Canterbury will ordain bishops for U.S.; Seabury is still uncooperative. |
| 1787 | William White and Samuel Provost made bishops by the Archbishop of Canterbury. |
| 1789 | "First" General Convention of Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S.A., in Philadelphia. William White is Presiding Bishop. House of Bishops and House of Deputies established, after which Seabury agrees to come. Book of Common Prayer revised. |
| 1794 | St. Thomas African Episcopal Church admitted to Diocese of Pennsylvania. |
| 1804 | Absalom Jones, our first black priest, ordained. |
| 1816 | John Henry Hobart, high-churchman bishop of New York, leads revival of U.S. church. |
[Timeline home page] [Previous era: 1738-1784 Great Awakening] [Next era: 1833-1890 Victoria]