'Faces of Darwin' to be lecture topic

"The Many Faces of Charles Darwin" will be presented in a special lecture on Sunday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m., at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 231 E. 100 South.

This event is free and open to the public and is timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of "The Origin of the Species."

The "Origin" book is one that has changed the way many view both the world and issues of faith.

Geneticist and sculptor Daniel Fairbanks will deliver the presentation.

According to St. Mark's parishioner Glendon Parker, this lecture is part of the cathedral's continuing Alan Tull Lecture Series to approach topics that the public is interested in.

"We are seeking to explore the rich interaction between the secular world, the world of thought and the life of faith," he said. "It's not evangelism," he stressed of this presentation.

The sesquicentennial of the publication of "The Origin of Species" serves as the occasion for the church to explore the tensions and connections between science and faith dramatized in Darwin's life — from Anglican boarding school and plans for the priesthood to a loss of faith and a life devoted to science.

Darwin's 1859 book "The Origin of Species" established evolutionary descent — with modification — as the main scientific explanation of the diversification in nature.

Fairbanks is the associate dean of the College of Science and Health of Utah Valley University. He is both a renowned geneticist and an accomplished sculptor.

In addition to a presentation on the life of Darwin (1809-82), Fairbanks will also describe the process of creating a bust of Darwin.

Parker also said Fairbanks has a strong Utah connection in that his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all lived in Utah and were also sculptors.

"This particular lecture is poignant in that the Rev. Canon Dr. Alan Tull, the inspiration of the lecture series, passed away last Wednesday," Parker said.

This event is sponsored by the St. Mark's Library Committee and follows up on a panel discussion the church held on "Darwin and Faith" earlier this year.

For more information, call 801-322-3400 or go to www.stmarkscathedral-ut.org.

e-mail: lynn@desnews.com