Celebrating the life of
The Right Reverend Harry Woolston Shipps
January 28, 1926 - November 17, 2016
THE RT. REV’D HARRY WOOLSTON SHIPPS, DD
EPISCOPAL BISHOP OF GEORGIA, RETIRED
The Right Reverend Harry Woolston Shipps, 90, died November 17, 2016 at The Marshes at Skidaway Island.
Harry Woolston Shipps was consecrated bishop in 1984 by the Most Reverend John M. Allin, Primate of The Episcopal Church, on the Feast of the Epiphany in Christ Church, Savannah, Georgia. Bishop Shipps served as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Georgia, becoming Diocesan Bishop upon his predecessor’s retirement in February, 1985.
Born January 28, 1926 in Bordentown, New Jersey, Bishop Shipps was a choir boy and acolyte in his home parish, Christ Church. He attended local schools and Bordentown Military Institute. In January 1946, he graduated from the New York State Maritime Academy, serving as an officer in the US Merchant Marine, then in the US Navy 1953-1955, stationed in Savannah. In 1953 he married Louise Huntington Rosenberger of Lexington, Massachusetts, and they have four children, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Bishop Shipps received his theological education at the School of Theology of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, graduating in 1958. The Rt. Rev’d Albert Rhett Stuart, Bishop of Georgia, ordained him deacon, and in 1959 he was ordained to the priesthood. In the Diocese of Georgia, Bishop Shipps served St. Mark’s Albany, Church of the Holy Apostles in Savannah, and was rector of St. Alban’s, Augusta from 1970 until his election as bishop in 1983. In 1986 he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from the University of the South, where he also served on the Board of Trustees.
During his years as a priest of the Diocese of Georgia, Bishop Shipps served in many capacities in the diocese and nationally in the Episcopal Church. Active in the civil rights movement in the 1950s and l960s, he was a member of the Georgia Council on Human Relations, the NAACP, and Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity. Upon retirement as Georgia diocesan in January 1995, Bishop Shipps served the Diocese of Dallas as Assisting Bishop for portions of four years.
He was a chaplain of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, member of the Compass Rose Society of the Anglican Communion, an Associate of the Order of the Holy Cross, member of the US Naval Institute and the Navy League of the United States. In retirement he served annually during May for ten years as chaplain of the House of the Redeemer in New York City, and served on the staff of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Savannah.
Surviving are Louise H. Shipps his wife of 63 years, children, Ruth Shipps, Susan Anderson (Daniel), Rebecca Eidson (Gary), David Shipps (Sydney); grandchildren, Carol Lewis, Katie Lucas (Jordan), Spencer McGuire, Kristin Campbell (Richard), Joshua Anderson (Cami), Hunter Eidson, Abigail Shipps, David Shipps Jr.; great-grandchildren, Lucas Campbell, Riley Campbell and Oliver Lucas.
The Vigil Service will be 5:00 p.m. Monday, November 21, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, The Very Rev. William Willoughby, III, Dean and Rector officiating.
The Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with The Rt. Rev. Scott Anson Benhase officiating.
The family suggests that remembrances be made to the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, 611 East Bay Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401.
Rev. Shipps will always be in my heart. It was my honor and privilege to know him. Peace to the family.
- , ,
Much love to the Shipps family on the passing of RRHarry Shipps. We had the good fortune of hosting a small gathering of his Bordentown friends a few years ago on our porch at 601 Farnsworth, the former home of his uncle Frank P. Shipps. Harry most graciously presented to Judy and myself the original plans for the house as well as some vintage family photos. Louise and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Judy and Chuck Pesce
- Chuck and Judy Pesce, Bordentown, NJ
My deepest condolences to a wonderful family! Father Shipps was one of the most God fearing men I knew that impacted my life as a young young lady that planted the seed of a relationship with the Lord. He and Mrs. Shipps truly lived their lives for the Lord in love and out reach to others. I knew the family as a young girl in the same neighborhood living with my grandparents and was friends with Rebecca, and you guys don't know what true lifesavers you where and the positive impact you all made in my life. Praying for you all the Love, peace, and comfort in God's arms.
- Pamela O'Connor Burchfield , Charlotte , NC
Rev. Shipps will always be in my heart. It was my honor and privilege to know him. Peace to the family.
- , ,
Much love to the Shipps family on the passing of RRHarry Shipps. We had the good fortune of hosting a small gathering of his Bordentown friends a few years ago on our porch at 601 Farnsworth, the former home of his uncle Frank P. Shipps. Harry most graciously presented to Judy and myself the original plans for the house as well as some vintage family photos. Louise and family are in our thoughts and prayers. Judy and Chuck Pesce
- Chuck and Judy Pesce, Bordentown, NJ
My deepest condolences to a wonderful family! Father Shipps was one of the most God fearing men I knew that impacted my life as a young young lady that planted the seed of a relationship with the Lord. He and Mrs. Shipps truly lived their lives for the Lord in love and out reach to others. I knew the family as a young girl in the same neighborhood living with my grandparents and was friends with Rebecca, and you guys don't know what true lifesavers you where and the positive impact you all made in my life. Praying for you all the Love, peace, and comfort in God's arms.
- Pamela O'Connor Burchfield , Charlotte , NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
