Reverend Canon Thomas Wilson Stearly Logan Sr. (Class of 1938), died May 2, 2012 at the age of 100. He was an historic figure, both in the civil rights movement, and as the oldest serving African-American priest in the Episcopal Church, USA.
The son of a minister and a teacher, Logan was one of eight siblings to graduate from college. Education and achievement were very important to the Logan family.
Logan devoted more than 73 years of his life to the Episcopal Church. He was ordained as a deacon in the Diocese of Pennsylvania and advanced to the priesthood at St. Peter’s Church in Philadelphia. He spent his dedicated ministry serving on commissions and community groups as well as in parochial leadership. In 1945, Logan helped merge Calvary Monumental Church with St. Michael’s Church, creating one of Philadelphia’s first interracial congregations. He was elevated to rector at Calvary Church Northern Liberties in Philadelphia, where he served until his retirement in 1984.
Committed to equity, opportunity and active in the local and national work for social and economic justice, Logan was a life member of the NAACP, and collaborated with Martin Luther King, Jr. in organizational and fundraising efforts in Philadelphia to support civil rights strategies.
His family said he has served God, church, and community with conviction, valor, dignity, unwavering faith, and unparalleled commitment.
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