in the first part of the 20th century, the episcopal church in rhode island focused on urban ministry with a focus on social concerns, led by bishop william n. mcvickar. the first deaconess was ordained in 1890, and from 1910 to 1914 the number of women serving in this position and ordained by bishop james d. perry had grown from one to seven. under perry and his successor, gaylord g. bennett, the number of parishes continued to grow.