John Jacob Astor. Beverly Cleary. Steve Prefontaine.

These well known names are but a few of the many individuals who have indelibly shaped Oregon's identity over the course of its history. But do you know of Benjamin Wistar Morris, and his incredible role in the heritage of both Oregon and OES? After a journey to Lone Fir Cemetery this past Tuesday morning, 17 of Chaplain Phillip Craig's eighth grade religion students definitely do.

With the help of Upper School History and Religion teacher VJ Sathyaraj, Chaplain Craig, his students, and Head of School Mo Copeland, the group visited this hallowed ground to honor and to discover more about Bishop Morris, who journeyed for three months (with his wife Hannah Rodney Morris) in the spring of 1869 from Philadelphia to Portland to accept the call as second Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon.

In the fall of 1869, less than 100 days after their arrival, Bishop and Hannah Morris opened the doors of St. Helen's Hall with the help of Hannah's three sisters. With a rigorous school for young women established, Bishop Morris then expanded his servant leadership to those in need, breaking ground in 1875 for the "Good Samaritan Hospital and Orphanage" (now Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center). Bishop Morris, nicknamed "the empire builder," remains the longest serving Bishop (38 years) in the history of the Episcopal Church.

Middle School Chapel on Friday was led by the students from Chaplain Craig's Religion class, who offered their reflections on the experience. VJ was present as well to share the Bishop's story with the entire Middle School. In VJ's words, "Why did Bishop Morris want to start a school? He wanted to provide an education for young people, who could then make an impact on the world. 147 years later, his vision remains our mission."

(Photo Credit: Phillip Craig)