Colonial Anglicanism in North America

Book Description

This scholarly exploration unveils the rich tapestry of Anglican spirituality as it took root and flourished across colonial America. John F. Woolverton presents an unbiased examination of how the Church of England adapted and evolved in the New World, offering readers insight into the spiritual foundations that helped shape early American culture.

Drawing from extensive primary sources including unpublished letters and personal journals, this work traces the development of Anglican communities from Virginia's earliest settlements through the diverse religious landscapes of Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and the Carolinas. The author skillfully weaves together administrative history with theological evolution, revealing how both high church traditions and evangelical movements contributed to colonial spiritual life.

Readers will discover how Anglican spirituality navigated the challenges of establishing religious community across vast distances and diverse social conditions. The book illuminates the transatlantic connections that sustained colonial churches while documenting their gradual transformation into distinctly American expressions of faith.

For those interested in understanding how spiritual traditions adapt and grow within new cultural contexts, this comprehensive study offers valuable perspectives on religious development, community building, and the intersection of faith with social change. Woolverton's thorough research provides a foundation for appreciating how colonial Anglican experiences contributed to America's broader spiritual heritage and the ongoing evolution of religious practice in diverse societies.