About the Cora and John Sparrowk President’s Award
The Cora and John Sparrowk President's Award is presented to an American Baptist individual who has, over a period of years, made an exceptional and outstanding contribution to the life of Christ’s church, and who, in life and service, manifests richly the fruits and gifts of the Spirit. The award is supported by an endowment established by Cora and John Sparrowk. Cora Sparrowk served at one time as President of American Baptist Churches.
Nominations are received by members of the Board of the General Ministries. A recipient is selected by the board president in consultation with the vice president and immediate past president, who is then confirmed by the board's executive committee.
The award recipients typically is presented with this award at the ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit, which occurs in June, odd-numbered years.
Current 2025 Recipient
Dr. Susan Gillies
Read about our award recipient here.
Past Recipients
- 2023 Kathryn Choy-Wong
- 2021 Albert Paul Brinson
- 2019 Charles and Marie Mercer
- 2017 Emilie Margaret Ballard & Newton Old Crow, Sr. (2 recipients)
- 2015 David G. Gnirk
- 2013 Andrew and Beverly Davison
- 2011 Yosh Nakagawa
- 2009 Robert and Margene Phares
- 2007 Judge Albert Matthews
- 2005 Charles and Barbara Chicks
- 2003 Loris B. Coletta
- 2001 Martha Cortner Pixley
- 1999 Veronica Lanier
- 1997 Gilbert Brink
- 1995 Eric & Hazel Stettner
- 1993 Richard Brownlee
- 1991 Astrid Peterson
- 1989 Lily Lawrence Lyons
- 1987 Jimmie A. Morrison
- 1985 Norman E. Joslin
- 1983 Esther Davis
- 1981 Elizabeth P. Caudill