ESK Calls New Chaplain

The Episcopal School of Knoxville head of school Dr. Jack Talmadge announced this week that The Reverend Matthew Farr will join the staff as chaplain beginning in August, after serving as the curate for the Southeastern Tennessee Episcopal Ministry in Winchester, Tenn.

Farr will teach religion classes and conduct daily Chapel services for all lower and middle school students.

“I am so honored, first and foremost, to have been considered to join the ESK community in the role of chaplain,” Farr said. “I am honored to have been chosen and am very eager to be with everyone at the start of next year. I know that there is a lot of energy and excitement at the school for the new chaplain and I echo that. I look forward to growing in this role as I immerse myself in the community.”

A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Farr graduated from the University of the South with a Master of Divinity degree in 2017, where he also was the recipient of The School of Theology Prize in historical studies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and art history from The University of the South. He is currently pursing a Masters of Sacred Theology.

“The chaplaincy at ESK is such an important position for our culture and spiritual needs at the school,” Talmadge said. “I am very pleased the search committee took their time to conduct an extensive nationwide search. We reviewed more than twenty strong applicants, and Fr. Matt was clearly the frontrunner and a wonderful match for ESK. We look forward to his arrival, as well as the many gifts he and his family will bring to Knoxville.”

Farr and his wife Elizabeth have a son, Rohen (3 years). Elizabeth recently accepted a call as assistant rector at The Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan in Knoxville. The family enjoys reading and hiking with their dog, Winnie.