Walter Dennis

Dennis was born on August 23, 1932, in Washington, D.C., the son of Walter Decoster Dennis Sr. and Helen Maddux. He studied at the Virginia State College, from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1952.^[2] He then studied at the New York University and graduated with a Master of Arts in North American history and constitutional law in 1953. Later on, he enrolled at the General Theological Seminary and earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology in 1956. In 1972 he also earned a postgraduate diploma from New York University.^[3]

Dennis was ordained deacon on June 15, 1956, at Grace Church in Norfolk, Virginia, by Bishop George P. Gunn of Southern Virginia.^[4] He then became curate at St Philip's Church in Brooklyn, New York City, and in September of that year became curate at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.^[5] During his time at the cathedral, he was ordained priest in June 1958 by Bishop Horace W. B. Donegan of New York. In 1960 he became vicar of St Cyprian's Church in Hampton, Virginia, and between 1961 and 1965, he also served as assistant professor of history and constitutional law at the Hampton Institute. In 1965, he returned to New York City and became residentiary canon of the cathedral chapter of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. During that time he became well known for his involvement in social issues and civil rights. He also taught Christian Ethics at the General Theological Seminary.^[6]