Who were Doane, Stuart?

Contrary to popular belief, Doane Stuart School was not named for one person. Rather, the ecumenical, independent school in Albany is named for two people who represent the mission of the school.

The school is the result of a merger between the Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic school, and St. Agnes Academy, an Episcopal school. Since the traditions of two schools and two faith traditions are represented at Doane Stuart, the alumni board selected a name that would represent each tradition:

* The Right Reverend William Croswell Doane was the first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany. It was formed in 1868, and Doane served as bishop for 44 years. During his tenure, he founded Saint Agnes School.

* The father of Sister Janet Erskine Stuart, RSCJ, was the Anglican rector of Cottesmore in Rutland, England. As a young adult, she began to question her faith, and she converted to Roman Catholicism in 1879. Three years later, she entered the Society of the Sacred Heart. (MM)

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