Ignatius Reynolds was born on August 22, 1798, in Bardstown, Kentucky, to John and Ann (née French) Reynolds. He enrolled at the theologicalseminary there at an early age.[1] In December 1821, he entered St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland.
During his tenure, Reynolds brought stability to the diocesan administration.[2] He conducted visitations of the entire diocese, which then included both Carolinas and Georgia.[1]
These areas were dominated by Episcopalians, Baptists, and Methodists; there were only about 12,000 Catholics in the diocese in 1846.[1] Reynolds published a five-volume work on his popular predecessor, Bishop John England; erased the $14,000 diocesan debt left by England, and dedicated the Cathedral of Saint John and Saint Finbar in Charleston in April 1854.[5]
Death and legacy
Reynolds died on March 6, 1855, at age 56 in Charleston.[3]
References
^ abcdClarke, Richard Henry. "RIGHT REV. IGNATIUS ALOYSIUS REYNOLDS, D.D.". Lives of the Deceased Bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States.