Sparrow, William

(Mar. 12, 1801-Jan. 17, 1874). Leading evangelical theologian and opponent of Tractarianism. He was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. His family moved to Huron County, Ohio, and Sparrow became involved with the educational enterprises of Bishop Philander Chase. He taught at a school in Worthington, Ohio, administered by Bishop Chase's son, and then at Cincinnati College, where the Bishop was president. In 1824 Sparrow became the professor of languages at the newly opened Miami University, but within about a year he returned to assist Bishop Chase in establishing a theological seminary at Worthington. Sparrow was the principal and main teacher at this school, which evolved into Kenyon College and Bexley Hall Theological Seminary. He was ordained deacon on June 7, 1826, and priest on June 11, 1826. In 1841 he moved to the Virginia Theological Seminary, where he taught for the rest of his life. His primary areas of teaching were church history, theology, and Christian evidences. He served also for a while as dean. He is known for the advice he gave his students, “Seek the truth; come whence it may, cost what it will.” Sparrow died in Alexandria, Virginia.