The Rev. Dr. Desmond C. Francis

The Reverend Dr. Francis was born in Madras, India of Anglican parents. After obtaining a degree and work experience in hotel management, Dr. Francis received a personal call to pastoral ministry. He entered South India Biblical Seminary and received an undergraduate degree in theology. Dr. Francis was ordained a priest in 1979 and served in the Diocese of Madras, India until 1983. In 1981, Desmond met and married Rita Gaikwad, who was from Bombay, India. Rita is a Registered Nurse. Desmond and Rita have two children: Leah and Aaron. In 1983, Desmond and Rita moved to the United States for graduate work at the Asbury Theological Seminary. Between 1983 and 1990, Desmond earned three Masters and a Doctorate in Theology and Christian Missions. Following Doctorial work, Desmond returned to India and taught in the South India Biblical Seminary, where he also served as academic dean and principal of the school. In 1993, Dr. Francis and Rita returned to the United States, serving in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. In 1995, he became rector of St Mary's Episcopal Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky. After serving faithfully there, he answered a call to become rector of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Normal, Illinois in January, 2002. Besides preaching, pastoral and sacramental ministries, Desmond likes to write, read, play tennis and play ping pong.