Enoch Fitch Burr

Enoch Fitch Burr (October 21, 1818 – May 8, 1907) was a theologian and astronomer who lectured extensively on the relationship between science and religion.

Born in Westport, Connecticut to Zalmon and Mary (Hanford) Burr, he spent a year in the Yale Theological Seminary and two years in scientific study in New Haven. Owing to the failure of his health he was at home for the following three years, after which he devoted himself to study of the higher mathematics and physical astronomy under Professor Lyman in New Haven for three or four years.

He was licensed to preach in 1842, and October 3, 1850, was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church of Hamburg, in the town of Lyme. He married Lyme native Harriet A. Lord on August 12, 1851. With his wife and brother, Rev. Zalmon B. Burr, who was also his classmate, he went abroad in 1855, and spent nearly a year in travel. Burr continued in his pastorship throughout his life, until infirmity forced him to attempt to resign his pastorate in April, 1907; the church voted not to accept his resignation, but to continue the relationship of pastor as long as he lived.

Outside of his parish he was widely known through his scientific lectures and his numerous volumes. From 1868 to 1876 he was Lecturer on the Scientific Evidences of Religion at Amherst College, and he also lectured at the Sheffield Scientific School, at Williams College, and in New York and Boston. The substance of his lectures before the Seniors of Amherst College was printed in his "Pater Mundi". He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Amherst College in 1868.

Of some twenty separate volumes, including sermons, verse, and fiction, his first, "The Neptunian Theory of Uranus", was published in 1848. His "Ecce Coelum, or Parish Astronomy", which was probably his best-known book, appeared in 1867, and was followed by other astronomical works.

Burr died at his home in Lyme at the age of 89, survived by his wife, son, and daughter.