West, Edward Nason

Canon Edward N. West, born in Boston, served The Episcopal Church for nearly five decades, primarily at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York. After ordination in 1934 and early service as curate and rector at Trinity Church, Ossining, New York, West became Canon Sacrist (1941) and Canon Residentiary (1943) at the Cathedral, later serving as Sub-Dean (1966) and Cathedral Master of Ceremonies (1981–1990).

West was widely recognized for his expertise in church architecture, heraldry, and religious symbolism. He chaired the New York Diocesan Commission on Church Building (1944–1981) and served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Commission on Church Architecture and Allied Arts (1948–1969), advising on renovations and designs for churches, vestments, banners, and altar ware. His most famous creation, the Compass Rose (1954), became the official emblem of the Anglican Communion and is featured in cathedrals worldwide, including Canterbury Cathedral and the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

A scholar of liturgy and religious art, West lectured at the General Theological Seminary, advised the General Convention’s Standing Liturgical Commission, and wrote extensively on church symbolism, liturgy, and worship. His publications include The Language of Christian Symbolism, The History of the Cross, and several meditations and essays based on Cathedral worship. A close friend of Madeline L’Engle, he inspired the character Canon Tallis in her novels. West died in New York City in 1990, and his ashes are interred beneath his Compass Rose in the Cathedral’s Great Choir.