Background
Marks, James Christopher was born on July 29, 1863 in Cork, Ireland. Son of J. Christopher and Marian (Johnston) Marks.
Marks, James Christopher was born on July 29, 1863 in Cork, Ireland. Son of J. Christopher and Marian (Johnston) Marks.
Educated Royal School, Armagh, 1876-1881, Trinity College, Dublin, 1881-1885. Royal University of Ireland, 1883-1884. Honorary Doctor of Music, University State of New York, 1908.
Came to the United States, 1902, naturalized, 1919. Began as choir boy Cork Cathedral, 1870. Then assistant organist to father at Saint Finn Barre’s Cathedral, Cork.
Organist and choirmaster Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, Cork, 1881-1902.
Organist Saint Andrew’s Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1902-1904. Organist and choirmaster Church of the Heavenly Rest, New York City, 1904-1929.
Organist emeritus since 1929. Many prizes for musical compositions, including prize for best song in Great Britain, 1893.
Member American Guild Organists, National Association Organists (president 1912, 13). Mason (33 degree).; Clubs: Bohemians, Saint Wilfrid, Saint George’s Society, Canadian, British Brooklyn New York‡.
Married Maud Sidley Dowman, November 11, 1886 (died May 2, 1899). Married second, Minnie Mae Belcher, October 27, 1903 (died August 31, 1931). Children: Malcolm Chamney (deceased), J. Christopher, Jocelyn Gibbons, Dorothy Dowman.