Clarence Coleridge

The Right Reverend Clarence Nicholas Coleridge (born November 27, 1930) was the first African American bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut from 1993 to 1999. The Diocese of Connecticut is the first and the oldest Diocese in the United States. Prior to that he was the Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut from 1981 - 1993. He was ordained to the diaconate on January 27, 1961, and to the priesthood on January 1, 1962. He was consecrated on October 23, 1981. He has had many accolades including three honorary degrees including one from Yale Divinity School. Habitat for Humanity Built 5 houses in his name, named the Coleridge Commons in Bridgeport, CT. He also started the Bishops Fund for Children, A Fund to enhance awareness of the plight of children at risk throughout Connecticut and to raise funds to underwrite social service programs that aid these children in our urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods. This Fund has so far given out 3.2 million dollars. Bishop Coleridge has been married for over 50 years to Euna J. Coleridge, Phd a high school science teacher and who was awarded the Olmstead award for Teacher of the year from Williams College. They have two children, Cheryl Coleridge and Carolyn Coleridge.