James Craik

James Craik (31 August 1806 – 9 June 1882) was a noted preacher, author, lawyer, and amateur architect. He was born on August 31, 1806, in Alexandria, Virginia, to George Washington Craik, secretary to President George Washington during his second term, and Maria Tucker. He was the grandson of Dr. James Craik, President George Washington's physician. He married Juliet Shrewsbury and had eleven children.

Law practice

He studied medicine briefly at Transylvania College before switching to law with the encouragement of the college president, Dr. Holley. and practiced law in Charleston, WV, where he built Elm Grove, now called the Craik-Patton House. Along with his law partner Ezra Walker, who was also the editor of the “Kanawha Banner” newspaper, Craik would argue cases in the counties of Kanawha, Logan, Mason, and Cabell. Craik lived in a portion of land, five hundred acres, inherited from his grandfather briefly while Elm Grove was under construction. It was during Craik's ten years of practicing law and studying theology that he eventually decided to do church work. In addition to these works being used as textbooks for church schools he was also widely renowned as a preacher. He was a founder of the Orphanage of the Good Shepherd. He held the position of President of the House of Deputies of the General Convention in the Episcopal Church from 1862 to 1874 in addition to his responsibilities within his own diocese. He was noted to have been involved in a number of charities and to have had a great appreciation for devotional music.

On June 27, 2024 the House of Deputies of the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church passed, by acclamation, D074 Renouncing the Theology of Slavery held by the Rev. James Craik, 11th President of the House of Deputies.

Later years and death In his waning years he spoke before the Kentucky Legislature in favor of staying in the Union. He remained serving Christ Church at Louisville, Ky until he died on June 9, 1882, from illness. After his passing one of his sons, Charles, took over his position at Christ Church.