The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Vincent, John Heyl
1832–1920, American Methodist bishop, b. Tuscaloosa, Ala. In 1857 he was assigned to an Illinois conference, where he held various pastorates. His work in improving teaching methods in Sunday schools had widespread results. Vincent founded (1866) the periodical the Sunday School Teacher; from 1868 to 1888 he was editor of Methodist Sunday school publications and corresponding secretary of the Sunday School Union. With Lewis Miller he organized (1874) at Chautauqua, N.Y., a Sunday school teachers’ institute, which included secular as well as religious instruction, out of which grew the Chautauqua movement. He was active in planning and directing (1878–88) Chautauqua programs. In 1888 Vincent was made bishop. From 1900 until his retirement in 1904 he was head of the work of his denomination in Europe, making his residence in Zürich. His books include The Chautauqua Movement (1886) and The Modern Sunday School (1900). George E. Vincent was his son.
