Background
Thirkield, Wilbur Patterson was born on September 25, 1854 in Franklin, Ohio, United States. Son of E. B. Thirkield.
Thirkield, Wilbur Patterson was born on September 25, 1854 in Franklin, Ohio, United States. Son of E. B. Thirkield.
Bachelor of Arts, Ohio Wesleyan, 1876, A.M., 1879, Doctor of Divinity, 1889, Doctor of Laws, 1906. Bachelor of Sacred Theology, Boston University, 1881. Doctor of Divinity, Emory University, 1889.
Alexander Wood), Wilbur (deceased), Helen (Mistress O. W. E. Cook), Norman (deceased). Entered Mechanical Engineering ministry, 1878. 1st president Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia., 1883-1900.
Secured endowment and equipment of $600,000. Elected general secretary Epworth League, November 28, 1899. General secretary Freedmen’s Aid and Southern Education Society of Methodist Episcopal Church, 1900-1906.
President Howard U., Washington, 1906-1912. Elected bishop Methodist Episcopal Church, May 1912. Retired 1928. Chairman Commision on Worship and Music, appointed by General Conference of Methodist Episcopal Church Church President board of trustees Gammon Theological Seminary and Bennett College for Women.
Member board of trustees Meharry Medical College, Clark University, Howard U. (honorary).
Author: The Personality and Message of the Preacher. The Higher Education of the Negro. Service and Prayers for Church and Home.The Negro and Organic Union of Methodism. The English Speaking Peoples—Will They Fail in Their Mission to the World?, 1926. Book of Common Worship for the Several Communions of the Church of Christ.Editor and compiler: Hymns of Faith and Life.
Member board of trustees Meharry Medical College, Clark University, Howard U. (honorary).
Married Mary Haven, October 27, 1881. Children: Gilbert Haven, Pearl (Mistress.