David Bentley (Bishop of Barbados)

David Williams Bentley (1882–1970) was the 7th Bishop of Barbados ^[1]. Educated at the University of Cambridge, the University of London and St Cuthbert's Society in the University of Durham^[2], he was ordained Deacon in 1906 and Priest a year later.

His first posts were curacies in Barrow and Bethnal Green followed by a spell as Vicar of St James Plaistow^[3].

At St Cuthbert's Society, where he served as President in 1910, he established a reputation as a scholar, a dedicated oarsman and a committed and proselytising socialist, having acquired his socialism in the slums of Barrow-in-Furness while serving as curate.^[4].

In 1917 he emigrated to the Caribbean where he was Warden of St Peter’s College, Jamaica^[5] until his elevation to the Episcopate ^[6].

“A forceful and lovely preacher, Dr Bentley always received a warm welcome at all the Parishes which he visited...”^[7].

Notes

1. ^ Barbadian dignitaries
2. ^ “Who was Who” 1897-1990 London, A & C Black, 1991 ISBN 0-7136-3457-X
3. ^ Parish History
4. ^ Tudor, Henry. St Cuthbert’s Society 1888-1988. The history of a “modest but exciting institution in the University of Durham”, 1988. p.48
5. ^ Now part of UWI
6. ^ The Times, Friday, Apr 22, 1927; pg. 15; Issue 44562; col D Ecclesiastical News. New Bishop Of Barbados
7. ^ Website of the Anglican Diocese of Barbados. http://www.anglican.bb/barbadosbishops/bentley