William L. Stevens

He returned to Plantation, Florida following his retirement in January, 1994. William Louis Stevens died November 4, 1997, after a two-year struggle with the results of a debilitating stroke. A requiem mass was held at St. Benedict's Church, Plantation, Florida. His cremated remains are buried in St. Benedict's Memorial Garden. A Memorial Service was held at the Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle in Fond du Lac.

Bishop Stevens was the recipient of two honorary doctorates in 1981; a Doctor of Divinity from General Theological Seminary and Doctor of Canon Law from Nashotah House. Stevens served as President of the Board of Trustees of Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He served as Episcopal Visitor for the Order of St. Benedict in Two Rivers, Michigan, and the Sisters of the Holy Nativity in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. For Bishop Stevens, this wasn't merely a pro forma relationship. He spent much time at the Mother House, and the Sisters became a second family to him. He served as Chairman of the House of Bishops Commission on Religious Communities and was on the Board of Directors of the national organization of Episcopalians for Life. He was enrolled as a life member of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament on April 11, 1983.

Stevens was consecrated the sixth bishop of Fond du Lac on September 7, 1980. He was an Anglo Catholic who knew the history of the diocese he was called to serve. As Bishop, he led the diocese in spiritual renewal, emphasized religious education, and strengthened personal and corporate Christian commitment. As a preacher, he was skilled at bringing theological concepts to life: complex ideas were made clear by stories and examples. As Bishop, he took his role as teacher seriously. Always compassionate, he wanted to make sure his hearers understood that theology helped them live more Christian lives. While her adapted to the climate of Wisconsin, he stoically endured poor health during many of his 14 years in the diocese.

The Rt. Rev. Karl M. Block, Bishop of California, ordained Stevens a Deacon in 1956 and a priest in 1957. Stevens then served congregations in San Francisco, and London, England. Stevens then became Vicar of St. Benedict's Episcopal Church, Plantation, Florida, in 1961, leading the congregation from mission to parish status. He also became a novice in the Order of the Holy Cross. From 1961 to 1980 he held numerous positions of responsibility in the community and the Diocese of Southeast Florida, including President of the Standing Committee and Chairman of the Liturgical Commission. As a parish priest he was especially sought out for his wise spiritual counsel and personal pastoral ability.

William Louis Stevens (January 12, 1932 – November 4, 1997) was a bishop in the United States Episcopal Church.

William Louis Stevens was born in Yuba City, California on January 12, 1932. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco State University in 1953 then attended and General Theological Seminary, New York where in 1956 he received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree.