Background
Lester, Thomas William was born on September 17, 1889 in Leicester, England. Son of Thomas William and Mary Ann (Harvey) Lester.
Lester, Thomas William was born on September 17, 1889 in Leicester, England. Son of Thomas William and Mary Ann (Harvey) Lester.
Education high school, Keokuk, Iowa. Studied piano under Jane Carey, composition and piano under Adolf Brune, organ under Wilhelm Middelschulte, voice under Sandor Radanovits. Honorary Doctor Fine Arts, Beloit (Wisconsin) College, 1931.
1 son, Thomas William. Came with parents to the United States, 1902, naturalized citizen, 1916. Organist Memorial Church of Christ, Chicago, 1909-1913, 2d Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago, 1913-1916.
First Bapt Church, Evanston, Illinois, 1916-1921, First Congressional Church, Chicago, 1921-1950.
Director Lyric Ensemble and Saint Cecilia Chorus, of Aurora, Illinois. Director Galien Valley Community Chorus (Three Oaks, Michigan), United Mother Singers (Chicago).
Teacher of voice, piano, organ and theory School of Music, De Paul U. Lecturer on musical history and appreciation of music Lewis Institute. Conductor South Bend (Indiana) Choral Society, Mid-City Concert Orchestra.
Member American Guild Organists (dean Illinois chapter 1927-1929), The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, Chicago Artists Association, Pro Musica, Sinfonia, Phi Mu Alpha.
Married Margaret Ann Smith (soprano), January 15, 1913.