Earl Cranston (June 27, 1840 – August 18, 1932) was an American bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, elected in 1896.

Earl was said to have a vigorous body squarely built and above the average height for that day (mid-19th century).

Among his ancestors were Roger Williams and John and Samuel Cranston, both colonial governors of Rhode Island.

William Taylor, (later Missionary Bishop of Africa) visited Athens during Earl's college years.

Taylor held revival services, in which many students, including Earl, were converted to Christ.

Christianity • Protestantism Cranston entered the Union Army during the American Civil War as a private.

Following his military service, Earl studied for business, and was engaged in commercial affairs until 1867, when he entered the ministry.

In 1878, Cranston was appointed pastor in Denver, Colorado, a change necessitated by the health of his family.

Church elected Cranston publishing agent for the Western Book Concern, headquartered in Cincinnati.

The Western Book Concern included offices in Chicago, St. Louis and on the Pacific coast.

Cranston was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.