William Cowper (Dean of Sydney)

William Cowper (Dean of Sydney) was an Anglican clergyman and Dean of Sydney. He was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, in 1810 and died in 1902. Cowper was the son of William Cowper, the Assistant Chaplain of New South Wales, and Ann Barrell. He was educated at the University of Oxford, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1833 and a Master of Arts degree in 1836.

Ordained a deacon in 1833 and a priest in 1836, Cowper returned to New South Wales and held various positions within the Anglican Church of Australia. He served as a curate in several parishes, including St. Philip's Church, Sydney. He later became Rector of St. Leonards, North Sydney.

In 1858, Cowper was appointed Dean of Sydney, a position he held until his retirement in 1895. As Dean, he played a significant role in the administration of the Diocese of Sydney and the maintenance of St. Andrew's Cathedral. He was a prominent figure in the ecclesiastical life of the colony and later the state of New South Wales, known for his strong evangelical beliefs and his commitment to education and charitable works.

Cowper was involved in various organizations, including the Sydney Diocesan Committee, and was a strong advocate for expanding the Church's reach throughout the colony. He was a key figure in the development of Moore Theological College, a prominent Anglican theological college in Sydney.

His legacy includes his long service to the Anglican Church in Australia, his contributions to the development of religious institutions, and his influence on the evangelical movement within the Australian Anglican Church.