Francis Bowes Sayre Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Bowes Sayre Jr.
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Rev. Sayre in 1961
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| Born | January 17, 1915 White House, Washington, D.C., U.S.
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| Died | October 3, 2008 (aged 93) Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Resting place | Ashes interred at the Washington National Cathedral |
| Alma mater | Williams College Union Theological Seminary |
| Occupation | Priest, civil rights activist |
| Spouse(s) |
Harriet Taft Hart
(m. 1946; died 2003) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Francis Bowes Sayre Sr. Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre |
| Relatives | Woodrow Wilson (grandfather) Robert H. Sayre (grandfather) |
Francis Bowes Sayre Jr. (born January 17, 1915 – died October 3, 2008) was an important leader at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.. He served as the Dean of the Cathedral for 27 years. He was also the first grandchild of former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.
Sayre was a strong voice for fairness and equality. He spoke out against segregation, which was the unfair separation of people based on their race. He also opposed poverty and the Vietnam War. He was brave enough to speak against Joseph McCarthy, a powerful senator, during a time when many people were afraid to challenge him. In 1965, he joined Martin Luther King Jr. in the famous march for voting rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Francis Bowes Sayre Jr. was born in the White House in 1915. This was a special event because he was the first grandchild of President Woodrow Wilson. His father, Francis Bowes Sayre Sr., was a law professor at Harvard University. He later became an assistant secretary of state. Sayre's mother was Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre, President Wilson's daughter.
Sayre went to Belmont Hill School and then Williams College. He later earned his degree in divinity from the Union Theological Seminary. During World War II, he served as a chaplain in the Navy. After the war, he worked as a priest in Cleveland, Ohio.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1946, Francis Sayre Jr. married Harriet Taft Hart. Her father was Admiral Thomas C. Hart. Harriet passed away in 2003. Together, Francis and Harriet had four children.
Later Years and Passing
Sayre retired from his role as Dean of the Washington National Cathedral in 1978. He lived for three more decades, passing away on October 3, 2008, at the age of 93. He died at his home on Martha's Vineyard due to diabetes. His ashes were placed at the National Cathedral later that month. He is remembered there for his long service. He was survived by two daughters, two sons, and eight grandchildren.
Awards and Special Recognition
In 1964, Sayre received an honorary membership from The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. This group recognized his important work in getting and building the 53-bell carillon at Washington National Cathedral. A carillon is a musical instrument made of many bells that are played together.
