Frederick Courtney was born in England in 1837 and attended London University. He emigrated to the United States becoming assistant minister at St Thomas’ Church, New York. He became rector of St James, Chicago then moved to Boston where he was when elected bishop.
Although his eventual election was almost unanimous Frederick Courtney was not the first choice for bishop. In July 1887 the Synod elected Rev J C Edgehill, Chaplain-General of H.M. Forces. Dr Edgehill was in Germany at the time and after a week declined the offer. Next in August 1887 Bishop Perry of Iowa was elected but in November of that year he too declined. It was in February 1888 Frederick Courtney was elected. He was consecrated in St Luke’s Cathedral, Halifax April 26, 1888 by Bishops John Medley (the Metropolitan), John Lewis and James Williams.
In January 1891 Bishop Courtney established a church school for girls in Windsor. He also secured funds for King College Windsor which had not been attracting sufficient students.
On November 30, 1903, Frederick Courtney resigned the See of Nova Scotia to accept the rectorship of St. James’ Church, New York. He died December 29, 1918.