Biography

Dr. Proal was born in 1796 at Newark, N. J., of French descent. He studied for the ministry under Bishop Hobart, and was ordained deacon by him in the French Church, Du St. Esprit, New York, September 18, 1818, and priest in Trinity Church, Lansingburgh, July 13, 1820. He was in charge of St. John's Church, Johnstown, from 18 19 to 1821, when he was called to St. George's Church, Schenectady. Here he remained 15 years, until he came to this parish in 1836. While in Schenectady he also held for a time the chair of French language in Union College that city. Bishop Onderdonk in his convention address of 1836, speaks in the highest terms of his ministry in St. Georges parish. While rector of Trinity Church he was Secretary of the Diocese of Western New York, a delegate to the general convention, and prominent in the general institutions of the church. He was also a trustee of Hamilton College. Dr. Proal was scholarly, eloquent as a preacher, and well known for his intelligent and beautiful rendering of the church services. On January 25, 1836, the Rev. Pierre Alexis Proal accepted the charge of the parish, and served until May 5, 1857, when he resigned on account of feeble health. His was the longest rectorship, 21 years and 3 months.
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Married twice: Maria Haulenbeck in 1818 and Susan Stout (sometime after 1839).