John Poyntz Tyler

John Poyntz Tyler (June 15, 1862 – June 27, 1931) was an Episcopal bishop who served as the fourth Bishop of North Dakota from 1914 until shortly before his death in 1931.

Early and Family Life:

John Poyntz Tyler was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on June 15, 1862, in the Northern Neck region. He was the son of Jane T. (Blake) Tyler and Dr. Wat H. Tyler, M.D. His father was the nephew of President John Tyler, placing Tyler within the First Families of Virginia. Tyler was raised in Cople Parish, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1888 and received a Doctor of Divinity degree in 1914. In 1890, he married Ada Rodrick, with whom he had six children: Mary, Jane, Blake, Ada Rodrick, Wat Henry, and John Poyntz, who became an author under the name Poyntz Tyler.

Ministerial Career:

Tyler was ordained a deacon at Prince Edward Parish Church and shortly thereafter served at Westover Church in Charles City until 1891. He was ordained as a priest in 1889. From 1891 to 1895, he was rector at Christ Church in Millwood, Virginia, where he oversaw renovations of historic churches in Cople Parish, including Yeocomico Church, which dates back to 1664. While serving in Virginia, he also managed to oversee restorations of Nomini Church (established 1653) and other churches within the parish.

His subsequent assignments included serving as rector at St. Paul's Church in Greenville, Ohio, from 1895 to 1896, and at the Church of the Advent in Philadelphia from 1896 to 1904. In 1904, Tyler returned to Virginia to become the Archdeacon of Virginia based in Richmond. In 1907, he moved to Maryland to serve as rector of Saint John's Church in Hagerstown, where he also held the title of Archdeacon of Cumberland. He remained there until January 6, 1914.

Bishopric:

Tyler was consecrated as a missionary bishop for North Dakota on January 6, 1914, by Presiding Bishop Daniel S. Tuttle, with additional consecrators George William Peterkin of West Virginia and Alfred Magill Randolph of Southern Virginia. North Dakota's previous bishop had died without naming a successor, leading to Tyler's appointment. His upbringing in a farming community and his experience working as a missionary in rural Appalachian areas contributed to his suitability for the role.

During his tenure, Tyler worked to expand the relatively small Episcopal congregation in North Dakota amidst economic hardships caused by droughts and agricultural depression. He initiated the establishment of a home for young women attending Normal School in Valley City, purchased property for a camp and retreat center at Pelican Lake, and supported the growth of The Girl's Friendly Society, which grew to 20 local societies with 200 members by 1924. He also worked to reduce diocesan debt and strengthen the church's presence in a predominantly Lutheran and Catholic region.

Death:

John Poyntz Tyler retired from active duty as Bishop of North Dakota on July 13, 1931. He died two weeks later, on June 27, 1931, in Fargo, North Dakota, due to heart disease.