Jerry Summers
Frank Alexander “June” Juhan was born in Macon, Georgia, on April 27, 1887. His diversified life included being an outstanding athlete at Sewanee (1908-1910), ordained Episcopal minister (1911), priest (1912), coach at Sewanee (1913-1915), chaplain at the Sewanee Military Academy (1913-1915), elected Fourth Bishop in Florida (1924-1956), and Director of Development for Sewanee after 1956.
At age 37 he was the youngest diocesan bishop in the Episcopal Church when he was consecrated and was the senior active bishop in the church when he retired in 1956. At 5’11”, 160 lbs., he played center on the University of the South football team and is recognized as the first moving linebacker in the South copying the style of Michigan’s Germany Schultz who invented the tactic as well as the use of the spiral snap.
While at Sewanee Juhan participated in several sports besides football. He ran track, played baseball, and was also a boxing champ. While a student he boxed an exhibition with Bob Fitzsimmons, former heavyweight champion. In football he also received Honorable Mention recognition on Walter Camp’s All-American team. George Trevor of Tulane University picked Juhan to be on his all time Sewanee football team.
After his athletic career was over and he had graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from his alma mater he was honored by being inducted in the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame as a charter member in 1966. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1912 and served as chaplain at his high school alma mater, West Texas Military Academy, in 1912-1913, which also listed as one of its graduates, General Douglas McArthur.
After a tenure at Sewanee Military Academy (1913-1916) he became rector of the Christ Church in Greenville, South Carolina (1916-1924). He was also consecrated Episcopal Bishop of Florida as the fourth Bishop of Florida (1924-1956) as well as being the youngest bishop in the Episcopal Church at the time he was consecrated.
During his long service in Florida he also received honorary divinity degrees from Sewanee in 1925 and Washington and Lee in 1949 and a doctor of laws degree from Rollins College of Florida in 1950. He served in the dual capacity of being senior active bishop in the church and Chancellor of the University of the South (1944-1950).
After retiring from the church, he became Director of Development for Sewanee after 1956 and is credited with raising substantial funds from alumni and others to support the school. In 1957 Sewanee named its gym and athletic complex after Bishop Juhan.
Perhaps the greatest silent testimonial to his love of Sewanee is he always was trying to help the students in many ways. Many a Sewanee graduate would have to admit the help that Bishop Juhan gave them while a student in many areas.
He died on December 31, 1967, at Sewanee on the Domain of the University.
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Jerry Summers
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Frank Juhan