Arthur Cleveland Coxe
1818 - 1896
Episcopal Church
Biography
Arthur Cleveland Coxe (1818–1896), commonly styled A. Cleveland Coxe, was an American Episcopal bishop, poet, hymn writer, theologian, and editor. Born in Mendham, New Jersey, on May 10, 1818, he was the son of Presbyterian minister Samuel Hanson Cox. He graduated from the University of the City of New York in 1838 and from General Theological Seminary in 1841. Coxe was ordained deacon in 1841 and priest in 1842.
His parish ministry included St. Ann's Church in Morrisania, St. John's in Hartford, Grace Church in Baltimore, and Calvary Church in New York City. He declined election as bishop of Texas in 1856, but in 1864 he was elected assistant bishop of Western New York and was consecrated on January 4, 1865. Later that year he succeeded William Heathcote DeLancey as diocesan bishop, an office he held for three decades.
Coxe wrote poetry from an early age. His publications included Advent, a Mystery (1837), Christian Ballads (1840), Hallowe'en and Other Poems (1844), sermons, theological works, and writings on church history. His hymns include “Savior, Sprinkle Many Nations,” “We Are Living, We Are Dwelling,” and the lines later known as “How Beauteous Were the Marks Divine.” His literary and ecclesiastical interests were closely connected with Anglican tradition, the early church, Scripture, and devotional poetry. Coxe died at Clifton Springs, New York, on July 20, 1896.
His parish ministry included St. Ann's Church in Morrisania, St. John's in Hartford, Grace Church in Baltimore, and Calvary Church in New York City. He declined election as bishop of Texas in 1856, but in 1864 he was elected assistant bishop of Western New York and was consecrated on January 4, 1865. Later that year he succeeded William Heathcote DeLancey as diocesan bishop, an office he held for three decades.
Coxe wrote poetry from an early age. His publications included Advent, a Mystery (1837), Christian Ballads (1840), Hallowe'en and Other Poems (1844), sermons, theological works, and writings on church history. His hymns include “Savior, Sprinkle Many Nations,” “We Are Living, We Are Dwelling,” and the lines later known as “How Beauteous Were the Marks Divine.” His literary and ecclesiastical interests were closely connected with Anglican tradition, the early church, Scripture, and devotional poetry. Coxe died at Clifton Springs, New York, on July 20, 1896.
Hymns by Arthur Cleveland Coxe
How Beauteous Were the Marks Divine
Role: Lyricist
O Where Are Kings and Empires Now
Role: Lyricist