Henry Conwell

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Henry Conwell (1745—1842) was the second bishop of Philadelphia from 1819, replacing Michael Francis Egan who had died five years earlier. He was originally from Moneymore, Ireland and served as a parish priest in Dungannon and then as Vicar-General of Armagh. He studied at the Irish College in Paris, France.

His appointment as Bishop was somewhat controversial as, during the five year absence of a Bishop, the Reverend William Hogan had been appointed defacto administrator by the board of trustees. On the appointment of Conwell, there was schism in the bishopric which was not resolved for several years. He subsequently re-appointed as vicar-general William Vincent Harold, who had been dismissed by his predecessor. This decision increased the tension and mistrust of the board of trustees. In 1826, to appease them, he waived his rights to determine salaries and granted the board veto power over his appointments. While working to reduce tensions locally, this decision led to his being recalled by the Holy See and being forbidden from performing administrative functions for the diocese. In 1830, Francis Patrick Kenrick officially took over his administrative duties and would later become the full bishop.

Preceded by Michael Francis Egan

Bishop of Philadelphia 1819–1842

Succeeded by Francis Patrick Kenrick