James Thayer Addison

James Thayer Addison (March 21, 1887 – February 13, 1953) was a priest in the Episcopal Church. His career included serving as an Episcopal Church missionary, as a professor in the Episcopal Theological School, as a military chaplain during World War I, and as a prolific writer. Early life and education Addison was born on March 21, 1887, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Addison’s father was The Rev. Charles Morris Addison (1856-1947) who was an Episcopal parish priest and author. His mother was Ada Thayer Addison (1856-1934). He is the great grandson of Charles Morris who served on the USS Constitution. From 1900 to 1905, Addison attended and graduated from the Groton School. He graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1909. Immediately after graduating from Harvard, Addison went to China where he taught for a year in St. John's University, Shanghai.