Thomas Ayres Sparks

Background

Sparks, Thomas Ayres was born on September 11, 1881 in Maysville, Kentucky, United States. Son of James William and Minerva Jane Houston (McDowell) Sparks.

Education

Graduate student, Union Theol.

Career

Engaged in business, 1899-1907. Ordained deacon and priest Episcopal Church, 1913. Archdeacon Missionary District of Salina, Kansas, and associated positions there, 1913-1916.

Mayo fellow, General Theological Seminary, 1916-1921. Graduate student, Union Theological Seminary and Columbia University, 1916-1921. Rector St. Clement’s Church, New York, 1918-1930, Church of Good Shepherd, Rosemont, Pennsylvania, 1930-1932.

Priest-in-charge Trinity Church, New York City, 1932-1935. Special preacher Holyrood Church, New York City, 1936-1938. On staff of Cathedral St. John the Divine, New York City, since 1938, cathedral pastor, since 1942.

Canon pastor, 1943-1952. Secretary General Convention Episcopal Church Committee on Deaconesses. Trustee General Theological Seminary, New York Training School for Deaconesses.

Membership

Member Alumni Association General Theological Seminary (president 1925-1927), American History Association, King’s Crown, Manhattan Neighborhood Association (trustee), Pilgrims of the United States, Delta Upsilon. Club: Columbia University (New York).

Connections

Father:

James William Sparks

Mother:

Minerva Jane Houston (McDowell) Sparks