William Hobart Hare (May 17, 1838 – October 23, 1909) was an American Episcopal bishop best known as the first missionary bishop of Niobrara, which later became the Missionary District of South Dakota. He dedicated his life to ministering to the Lakota (Sioux) people and establishing churches, schools, and hospitals on their reservations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Early Life and Education
William Hobart Hare was born in Princeton, New Jersey, on May 17, 1838, to George Emlen Hare, an Episcopal priest and educator, and Elizabeth Catherine Hobart. His maternal grandfather was Bishop John Henry Hobart of New York. Raised in a devout Anglican household, Hare received his early education at the University of Pennsylvania and subsequently attended the Philadelphia Divinity School, though he did not formally graduate. He was ordained deacon in 1859 and priest in 1862.
Early Ministry and Consecration
Hare served in various parishes in Philadelphia and elsewhere before becoming the secretary of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Episcopal Church in 1870. This role exposed him to the challenges and opportunities of missionary work, particularly among Native American populations.
In 1872, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church created the missionary jurisdiction of Niobrara, encompassing the Native American reservations within the Dakota Territory. Hare was elected as its first bishop and was consecrated on January 9, 1873, at St. Luke's Church, Philadelphia. He was only 34 years old at the time.
Missionary Bishop of Niobrara/South Dakota
Upon his consecration, Bishop Hare immediately embarked on his mission, establishing his headquarters in Yankton, Dakota Territory. He inherited a challenging landscape marked by government treaties, westward expansion, and the displacement and cultural disruption of the Lakota people.
Hare's ministry focused on several key areas:
- Evangelism and Church Planting: He tirelessly traveled across the vast reservation lands, often by horse and buggy, establishing mission stations and building churches. He encouraged the training and ordination of Native American clergy, believing in the importance of indigenous leadership within the church.
- Education: Recognizing the importance of education for the future of the Lakota people, Hare established numerous boarding schools, including St. Elizabeth's School for girls, St. Mary's School for girls, and St. Paul's School for boys. These schools aimed to provide both academic and vocational training, along with religious instruction. While these schools contributed to the assimilation policies prevalent at the time, they also provided opportunities for many Lakota children.
- Healthcare: He also founded hospitals and dispensaries to provide medical care to the communities he served, often in areas where modern medicine was scarce.
- Advocacy: Bishop Hare became a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of the Lakota people. He frequently intervened with government officials regarding treaty violations, land issues, and injustices faced by Native Americans. He sought to protect them from exploitation and promote their well-being, often clashing with white settlers and government agents who held different views.
- Cultural Sensitivity (within his era): While operating within an era that often promoted assimilation, Hare demonstrated a notable degree of respect for Lakota culture compared to many of his contemporaries. He encouraged the use of the Lakota language in worship and supported the translation of the Bible and prayer book into Lakota.
In 1883, the jurisdiction of Niobrara was expanded and renamed the Missionary District of South Dakota, reflecting the broader scope of his work. Hare continued to serve as its bishop until his death.
Legacy and Impact
Bishop William Hobart Hare's legacy is significant and complex. He is remembered as a pioneering missionary bishop who dedicated over three decades to the service of the Lakota people. He earned their trust and respect, often being referred to as "the Tall Pine" by them. His efforts led to the establishment of a robust Episcopal presence on the reservations, with numerous churches, schools, and a growing number of Native American clergy.
However, his work also took place within the context of 19th-century American policy towards Native Americans, which often prioritized assimilation into mainstream white culture. While he strove to protect the Lakota and empower them, the institutions he created, particularly the boarding schools, also contributed to the erosion of traditional Lakota practices and language for some.
Death
Bishop William Hobart Hare died on October 23, 1909, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, after a period of declining health. His remains were brought back to South Dakota and buried at St. Elizabeth's Chapel, Standing Rock Reservation, among the people he had served for so long.
See Also
- Episcopal Church in the United States of America
- Lakota people
- Native American boarding schools