E. Winchester Donald

E. Winchester Donald was born in 1848 of Scotch parents in Andover, Mass., which, by a curious coincidence, was also the birthplace of his predecessor at the Church of the Ascension, Dr. John Cotton Smith, and of his predecessor at Trinity Church, Boston, Dr. Phil[l]ips Brooks. He was a graduate of Amherst, and studied for the ministry in the Divinity School of Philadelphia, and the Union Theological Seminary. Eighteen of the thirty years of his active work were spent in this city at the Church of the Intercession and the Church of the Ascension. Twelve years ago he was called to Trinity Church, Boston. He was admirably adapted by nature and training for his vocation. His heart, as well as his mind, was alert, sympathetic, energetic. His hold on men of all classes was close and firm. With a peculiarly kind and candid bearing he gave the impression of essential sincerity and penetration of judgment, of constant seriousness of purpose, a spirit catholic, generous, and helpful towards others, uncompromising with himself. He was for four years previous to 1896 a University preacher at Harvard, and in the latter year delivered the Lowell lectures which were afterward published with the title of The Expansion of Religion. His influence in the pulpit and in personal intercourse is widely acknowledged to have been intimate and helpful. Socially he was a refreshing companion, with a charm constantly renewed.

Edward Cary
1905 Century Association Yearbook