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.
 

8 Condolences

  1. Clenece Hills on August 2, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    Father Macauley has made many contributions to our church, and most especially to the lives of my family. We send our sincere appreciation for his life and work to his sons. Thank you, Father Macauley.



  2. robyn on August 3, 2012 at 8:34 am

    so sorry to hear bout father
    maculey, he was a spical man
    i talk to him and he lite up a room,
    always has a book in his hand,
    and if i wanted to ask him wat he wants to drink etc he doesnt say wait look up with a sweet smile and said tea etc god bless robyn herzog



  3. G.Ford on August 3, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. May “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) comfort and soothe your heart. His promises, found in the Holy Scriptures, can offer much hope. It assures us at John 5:28,29 that our loved ones will be remembered and brought back to life in the resurrection. Please allow God’s Word to strengthen you and help you to endure this most difficult time.



  4. Anne Haehl on August 4, 2012 at 9:55 am

    So many stories come to mind. How lucky we were to have him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. And we have the consolation that Christians need never say good-bye forever.



  5. Joan Hughes on August 4, 2012 at 11:28 am

    I had Dr. Macauley for a couple of classes in the late 70’s early 80’s at KU. He was always dressed to the nines and was especially helpful to this then non-traditional student. My prayers will be with your family.



  6. Deacon Diane Whallon on August 4, 2012 at 6:48 pm

    John: You were a good friend, and I treasure the time we had together. We will pray for the repose of your soul at Mediator, Micanopy, Florida this Sunday. May your soul and the souls of all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Well done, good and faithful servant. Peace in Christ, Diane-



  7. Rev. Dr. Scott M. Kenefake on August 6, 2012 at 10:07 am

    Father John was my favorite professor at KU in the late 70’s and early 80’s. I took all of the classes he taught in both the History and Reliigion departments. He also wrote recommendations for me when I applied to Seminary–for that and more I’ll always be grateful.



  8. Charles on August 16, 2012 at 1:36 pm

    Fr. Macauley: You were an important part of my family’s time in Lawrence. May light perpetual shine upon you.



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