Abstract: A spark electrode assembly for manual spark ignition of a gas burner and a method for manual spark ignition of a gas burner are provided. The spark electrode assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode contained within an electrically insulative support member. The electrically conductive electrode is positioned by the electrically insulative support member proximate to a predetermined portion of the gas burner. At least the predetermined portion of the gas burner is provided at ground potential. A high voltage potential is applied to the electrically conductive electrode responsive to a user's manual operation for spark ignition.