Rev. Hampton B. Hawes, Sr. was born on August 1, 1888 in Georgia. After graduating from Fisk University and Lincoln University Theological Seminary, he became pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church from 1912 until 1958. He married Gertrude Holman, a pianist and daughter of the previous pastor, in 1914. Among their children was the jazz pianist Hampton Hawes (1928-1977). Hawes Sr. became a leader in state and local Presbyterian organizations, and was active in causes including the adoption placement of Korean War orphans. He died in Los Angeles on December 25, 1976.