Reverend Dr. John Macauley

The Reverend Doctor John Spencer Macauley of Lawrence, KS died Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar. Memorial services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence.  Interment will be in the Trinity Episcopal Columbarium.

John was born to John and Ormah Macauley on August 22, 1928 in Wichita, KS.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul Macauley.

He graduated from Wichita State College and Episcopal Theological Seminary in Cambridge, MA.  Ordained an Episcopal priest in 1953, he began his ministry in the Diocese of Kansas as Vicar of St. Paul’s, Marysville and St. Mark’s, Blue Rapids.  In 1956 he became Rector of Grace Church, Winfield.

In 1962 he ventured to his beloved England to complete a doctoral degree in 17th Century British history at Selwyn College, Cambridge.  Upon returning to Kansas, he was named Associate Professor of Religion and History at the Kansas School of Religion at the University of Kansas.  Over 39 years, generations of KU students attended his classes in The Life and Teachings of Jesus as well as his survey of Religion and The United States Constitution.  Many also received their first experience of Europe in the years John devoted to overseeing various Summer Study Abroad programs.  In 2003, John retired from KU and was named Professor Emeritus.

During his time in Lawrence, Father John served at Trinity Episcopal Church.  First as Assisting Priest (1982 – 1988) to the Reverend Robert Matthews, and upon the death of Father Matthews, as Rector (1988 – 1994).  He was instrumental in supporting the founding of Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Lawrence, as well as supporting the Episcopal Canterbury House at KU.  He also co-founded the first Episcopal Native American campus ministry at Haskell University.  He was the one of the two priests instrumental in the founding of Bishop Seabury Academy where he served as Chaplain from 1997 – 1999, and as a member of that school’s Board of Trustees.  John served on many boards and commissions on behalf of the Diocese of Kansas.

John authored Richard Montague Canon of Windsor, Society of Friends of St. George’s and edited The Autobiography of Thomas Secker Archbishop of Canterbury.  John was a member of the Ecclesiastical Historical Society, UK and the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church (1965 – 2002).

John loved the Church, his family, his many friends around the world, Selwyn College, Cambridge, his parishioners, history, art, genealogy, mystery novels, travel, opera, iced coffee and all sweets, particularly ice cream, chocolate and key lime pie.

John is survived by his sons:  Ian (Julie) Macauley of Alexandria, VA and Christopher Macauley of San Francisco, CA; his three grandchildren; his friends:  The Rev. Cn. Mark and Beth Ann Clevenger, Atlee and Marion Vernon, Dr. Gerald Pees, and Shirley Phillips and his many former students, colleagues and parishioners.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the Bishop Seabury Academy and may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS  66044.