ABOUT THE HONOREES
Bishop Frank Kellogg Allan- Bishop Allan was born in Hammond, Indiana, but his family migrated to Atlanta where he graduated from Druid Hills High School and Emory College with a degree in English. He was Presbyterian until his college years and thought that most preachers were “ stiff.” While at Emory College he learned details about his great-great grandfather's life that resonated with his way of understanding the world. He was the founder of Knox College and an abolitionist in Galesburg, Illinois, one of the centers for the Underground Railroad. Bishop Allan began to explore the Episcopal Church through Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, Georgia, and was later married to Elizabeth Ansley Allan at Holy Trinity. He went to the School of Theology at the University of the South and later was ordained as an Episcopal Priest. After decades of this work, he remarked to Elizabeth, “ that it never got boring.” He was consecrated as the 8th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta in 1989 and served until retirement in 2000. During this time he preached nearly every Sunday at one of the Diocese's one-hundred and ten worshipping communities.
There are too many stories to tell in this space about Bishop Allan to help create a proper mosaic of his life, but the following story serves as a good illustration. This event happened in the 1960s while he served as Rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Macon, Georgia during the era of the struggle for African American liberation being moved to the top of the list for the country, even in Macon where St. Paul's had a small group of black members. So one Sunday, he announced to the congregation that further integration and shifts toward racial justice and liberation for African Americans were imminent and critical. He was interrupted in mid-sentence by a woman named Hazel Burns, who reportedly asked, “Are you sayng that (as an all white church) we have been wrong all of these years?” He departed from his sermon and engaged in a dialogue with Hazel Burns and other parishioners joined in the conversation as it progressed. The Congregation is reported to have discussed, argued, and cried that day. But they battled it out and found a new vision. Later on, Burns was appointed as head lay person in the Parish, becoming the first woman at St. Paul's to hold that position. A part of this story was told by Rev. Martha Sterne, the first woman to be ordained by him after he became the 8th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, when she gave the Eulogy for him in 2019.
He and Elizabeth started, “ The Work of Our Hands” a non-profit supporting art-oriented programs throughout the metro area. In addition to this he helped to found Georgia's only folk school at Camp Mikell which is in the northeastern part of the state. This school offers classes in weaving, woodworking, photography and stained glass techniques.
Often upon getting antsy after long stretches of thinking, writing and reading, he once wrote, “when my hands get too soft and I get too much into my head and heart, I know that I need the spiritual renewal that comes with hands on, sometimes sweaty creativity.” He was a life-long wood turner. Bishop Allan cut a virtual template for how one negotiates retirement. He taught liturgy and church history at Candler School of Theology and became Episcopal Bishop in Residence in 2000 along with his work in the arts.
The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, retired 9th Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta and the Dean of the University of the South's School of Theology had this to say, “ Frank's number one legacy is his passion for social justice. That is justice as it relates to persons of color, support for historically black colleges, support for the ordination of women and full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the church.”
Everyone who encountered Bishop Frank Kellogg Allan could bear witness to the truth of Rev. Martha Sterne's assessment of his handling of the difficult conversation about race at St. Paul's which was shared. Sterne says, “on that day he was already displaying in his 30s, the style and grace under pressure which was characteristic of his more mature years. He was always direct in personal discourse and in his sermons. He was a deft organizer whether he was making dramatic changes in a church's social structure or mobilizing a collective of bookish, tools- challenged priests to build a Habitat-for- Humanity home.”
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center embraces his legacy and rejoices in being able to celebrate his life and work as a way to express the deepest gratitude to him for his vision and courage which led to making this space possible.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ansley Allan- Elizabeth Ansley Allan was born at Emory Hospital where her father was a medical student. Except for two years in Boston, two years in Jacksonville and a few years in Tennessee, she has lived her entire life in Georgia. She attended public schools in Decatur, graduating from high school there, and entering Agnes Scott College in 1954. The summer following her first year in college seemed like a good time to take classes at Emory. While doing this, she met a young man in her Russian History class named, Frank Allan. He was an English major who was very interested in history and she was a history major with a great interest in literature and poetry so that worked out well. She says, “the rest is history.” One week after graduating Phi Beta Kappa Cum Laude from Agnes Scott, she married Frank and they moved to Sewanee for him to complete his final two years at the School of Theology. During this two years she taught third graders until he was ordained and they moved to his first parish in Dalton, Georgia.
Although Elizabeth had always planned to teach history to high school students, she did not have a chance to do that until their four children were old enough to attend school. By that time they were in Macon, Georgia where she went back to school and earned a Master of Education from Mercer University and began her teaching career in Bibb County. She taught there and in Fulton County for twenty five years in public high schools. There were times when she was the only white teacher in predominantly African American schools in Bibb County and her quick wit, compassionate heart and great ability to explore and to be curious were great gifts in those settings and helped to allow her to make sure that the focus upon her students and their welfare was kept at the center of each day's work.
While she was teaching she received a Fulbright Teaching Scholarship to spend the summer in Ubekistan. That was a very exciting assignment.She also enjoyed teaching in Georgia's Governor's Honors Program for four years when it was held in Valdosta State College.
Elizabeth retired in 2000 also and began working to help start the new non-profit, “The Work of Our Hands.” She also was able to spend more time with her special interests in archeology and was able to participate over several summers on digs in Wales, France and along the Savannah River on the South Carolina side and writing poetry. While enjoying classess and workshops about reading and writing poetry, she and two friends took on the challenge of learning how to do self-publishing. They successfully published and marketed a small volume of illustrated poems titled, “On the Way to the Water Well” (in 2001).
Along with this they were able to relax from so many obligations and to do some interesting traveling such as traveling across the United States following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the Missouri River and all over England chasing family roots. Also, there was the great joy of visiting their nine grandchildren.
Elizabeth Ansley Allan is an amazing storyteller. Some of the most delightful moments that one can have is in spending time with her and being blessed by her stories which have wonderful detail and are never too long because she has so much enthusiasm in sharing them. She is a virtual walking book of memories and hearing her reflections on many subjects regarding historical moments in the Diocese is very fascinating.
There are too many stories to tell in this space about Bishop Allan to help create a proper mosaic of his life, but the following story serves as a good illustration. This event happened in the 1960s while he served as Rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Macon, Georgia during the era of the struggle for African American liberation being moved to the top of the list for the country, even in Macon where St. Paul's had a small group of black members. So one Sunday, he announced to the congregation that further integration and shifts toward racial justice and liberation for African Americans were imminent and critical. He was interrupted in mid-sentence by a woman named Hazel Burns, who reportedly asked, “Are you sayng that (as an all white church) we have been wrong all of these years?” He departed from his sermon and engaged in a dialogue with Hazel Burns and other parishioners joined in the conversation as it progressed. The Congregation is reported to have discussed, argued, and cried that day. But they battled it out and found a new vision. Later on, Burns was appointed as head lay person in the Parish, becoming the first woman at St. Paul's to hold that position. A part of this story was told by Rev. Martha Sterne, the first woman to be ordained by him after he became the 8th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, when she gave the Eulogy for him in 2019.
He and Elizabeth started, “ The Work of Our Hands” a non-profit supporting art-oriented programs throughout the metro area. In addition to this he helped to found Georgia's only folk school at Camp Mikell which is in the northeastern part of the state. This school offers classes in weaving, woodworking, photography and stained glass techniques.
Often upon getting antsy after long stretches of thinking, writing and reading, he once wrote, “when my hands get too soft and I get too much into my head and heart, I know that I need the spiritual renewal that comes with hands on, sometimes sweaty creativity.” He was a life-long wood turner. Bishop Allan cut a virtual template for how one negotiates retirement. He taught liturgy and church history at Candler School of Theology and became Episcopal Bishop in Residence in 2000 along with his work in the arts.
The Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, retired 9th Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta and the Dean of the University of the South's School of Theology had this to say, “ Frank's number one legacy is his passion for social justice. That is justice as it relates to persons of color, support for historically black colleges, support for the ordination of women and full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons in the life of the church.”
Everyone who encountered Bishop Frank Kellogg Allan could bear witness to the truth of Rev. Martha Sterne's assessment of his handling of the difficult conversation about race at St. Paul's which was shared. Sterne says, “on that day he was already displaying in his 30s, the style and grace under pressure which was characteristic of his more mature years. He was always direct in personal discourse and in his sermons. He was a deft organizer whether he was making dramatic changes in a church's social structure or mobilizing a collective of bookish, tools- challenged priests to build a Habitat-for- Humanity home.”
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center embraces his legacy and rejoices in being able to celebrate his life and work as a way to express the deepest gratitude to him for his vision and courage which led to making this space possible.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ansley Allan- Elizabeth Ansley Allan was born at Emory Hospital where her father was a medical student. Except for two years in Boston, two years in Jacksonville and a few years in Tennessee, she has lived her entire life in Georgia. She attended public schools in Decatur, graduating from high school there, and entering Agnes Scott College in 1954. The summer following her first year in college seemed like a good time to take classes at Emory. While doing this, she met a young man in her Russian History class named, Frank Allan. He was an English major who was very interested in history and she was a history major with a great interest in literature and poetry so that worked out well. She says, “the rest is history.” One week after graduating Phi Beta Kappa Cum Laude from Agnes Scott, she married Frank and they moved to Sewanee for him to complete his final two years at the School of Theology. During this two years she taught third graders until he was ordained and they moved to his first parish in Dalton, Georgia.
Although Elizabeth had always planned to teach history to high school students, she did not have a chance to do that until their four children were old enough to attend school. By that time they were in Macon, Georgia where she went back to school and earned a Master of Education from Mercer University and began her teaching career in Bibb County. She taught there and in Fulton County for twenty five years in public high schools. There were times when she was the only white teacher in predominantly African American schools in Bibb County and her quick wit, compassionate heart and great ability to explore and to be curious were great gifts in those settings and helped to allow her to make sure that the focus upon her students and their welfare was kept at the center of each day's work.
While she was teaching she received a Fulbright Teaching Scholarship to spend the summer in Ubekistan. That was a very exciting assignment.She also enjoyed teaching in Georgia's Governor's Honors Program for four years when it was held in Valdosta State College.
Elizabeth retired in 2000 also and began working to help start the new non-profit, “The Work of Our Hands.” She also was able to spend more time with her special interests in archeology and was able to participate over several summers on digs in Wales, France and along the Savannah River on the South Carolina side and writing poetry. While enjoying classess and workshops about reading and writing poetry, she and two friends took on the challenge of learning how to do self-publishing. They successfully published and marketed a small volume of illustrated poems titled, “On the Way to the Water Well” (in 2001).
Along with this they were able to relax from so many obligations and to do some interesting traveling such as traveling across the United States following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the Missouri River and all over England chasing family roots. Also, there was the great joy of visiting their nine grandchildren.
Elizabeth Ansley Allan is an amazing storyteller. Some of the most delightful moments that one can have is in spending time with her and being blessed by her stories which have wonderful detail and are never too long because she has so much enthusiasm in sharing them. She is a virtual walking book of memories and hearing her reflections on many subjects regarding historical moments in the Diocese is very fascinating.
HONORING TWO CIVIL RIGHTS GIANTS
We recently loss two civil rights icons,
Rev. C. T. Vivian and Representative John Lewis.
Their courage, tenacity and commitment
changed our nation, and encouraged and inspired
many to take a stand.
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing
asks you to join us in honoring these men
by continuing in the daily work of dismantling racism and
ending social injustices, and most importantly,
exercising your right to vote,
which they tirelessly fought for you to have.
Rest in peace
Brother Vivian and Brother Lewis
We thank you for a job well done
Rev. C. T. Vivian and Representative John Lewis.
Their courage, tenacity and commitment
changed our nation, and encouraged and inspired
many to take a stand.
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing
asks you to join us in honoring these men
by continuing in the daily work of dismantling racism and
ending social injustices, and most importantly,
exercising your right to vote,
which they tirelessly fought for you to have.
Rest in peace
Brother Vivian and Brother Lewis
We thank you for a job well done
In late June, Condace Pressley spoke with Dr. Meeks on her radio show
"Perspectives" about how we can heal the racial divide in our country.
The conversation recently continued on WSB's People 2 People, on how the
Center's Dismantling Racism Training class is working to heal the divide.
"Perspectives" about how we can heal the racial divide in our country.
The conversation recently continued on WSB's People 2 People, on how the
Center's Dismantling Racism Training class is working to heal the divide.
Oscar the Owl Teaches Children About
Love
Equality
Kindness
Togetherness
Oscar Owl Gives a Hoot about Color teaches children about accepting
others regardless of the color of their skin. The book's message is that each person is unique,
and that we create a better world when we come together in love and work to
achieve respect and equality for all.
MY BLACK LIFE
This spoken word is written and performed by Dominique J. Hardy. It was originally performed during the Allyship for God’s People webinar hosted for over 400 youth and youth leaders of the Episcopal Church.
Please help us share Dominique's story of growing up black in America far and wide. Join us in being an agent of change in the world. For more about Dominique, visit her website: www.dominiquehardy.com.
#blm #icantbreathe #episocopal #racism #spokenword
Please help us share Dominique's story of growing up black in America far and wide. Join us in being an agent of change in the world. For more about Dominique, visit her website: www.dominiquehardy.com.
#blm #icantbreathe #episocopal #racism #spokenword
HELP RELIEVE MEDICAL DEBT IN PEOPLESTOWN
Help The Cathedral of St. Philip in partnership with Emmaus House to buy the medical debt of residents of some of our most financially vulnerable communities. This debt reduction will give struggling families a fresh start, allowing them to receive critical medical attention and support on their journey toward financial stability. Your gift of any amount will help them reach their goal of $115,000 to purchase and forgive the medical debt of families in the communities served by Emmaus House. Every dollar donated forgives $100 of medical debt.
Remember, we're ALL in this together!
Help The Cathedral of St. Philip in partnership with Emmaus House to buy the medical debt of residents of some of our most financially vulnerable communities. This debt reduction will give struggling families a fresh start, allowing them to receive critical medical attention and support on their journey toward financial stability. Your gift of any amount will help them reach their goal of $115,000 to purchase and forgive the medical debt of families in the communities served by Emmaus House. Every dollar donated forgives $100 of medical debt.
Remember, we're ALL in this together!
In Memory of Bishop Barbara C. Harris
First Woman Ordained in the
Episcopal Church and the Worldwide Anglican Communion
June 12, 1930 - March 13, 2020
"Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." Isaiah 57:2
We are deeply sadden by the loss of Bishop Barbara C. Harris. She was a strong advocate for the Center for Racial Healing, and leaves a legacy of dismantling injustices within the church and beyond that spans several decades. The Center was truly blessed and honored when she visited late last year for the launch of the Bishop Barbara C. Harris Justice Project, where her work and legacy will continue.
Join Dr. Meeks and Host Chelsi Glascoe for New Episodes
A Brave Space with Dr. Meeks will support the work of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing
in its mission of creating brave space where the truth can be told. The sessions will explore various topics
that address the intersections between slavery, lynching, the prison industrial complex, the death penalty
and 21st-century police killings and the ways in which these issues prohibit racial healing in America.
There will be a wide variety of guests who will assist the host and Absalom Jones Center Director in engaging
the crucial topic of racial healing from their wide range of experiences as resistors to racism and in seeking racial healing.
A Brave Space with Dr. Meeks will support the work of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing
in its mission of creating brave space where the truth can be told. The sessions will explore various topics
that address the intersections between slavery, lynching, the prison industrial complex, the death penalty
and 21st-century police killings and the ways in which these issues prohibit racial healing in America.
There will be a wide variety of guests who will assist the host and Absalom Jones Center Director in engaging
the crucial topic of racial healing from their wide range of experiences as resistors to racism and in seeking racial healing.
NOW ONLINE!
Thanks be to God! Hate Now a Crime in Georgia
ATLANTA – The unexpected passage Tuesday of HB 426, Georgia’s Hate Crimes Bill was a big win for the state and for Episcopalians who have fought for the measure, The Right Rev. Rob Wright said in a statement issued after legislators approved the legislation.
ATLANTA – The unexpected passage Tuesday of HB 426, Georgia’s Hate Crimes Bill was a big win for the state and for Episcopalians who have fought for the measure, The Right Rev. Rob Wright said in a statement issued after legislators approved the legislation.
Letter to
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Police Chief Erika Shields
from Our Faith Leaders
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Police Chief Erika Shields
from Our Faith Leaders
Statement from the Province IV Bishops of
The Episcopal Church
Posted June 4, 2020
The Episcopal Church
Posted June 4, 2020
We're on YouTube!
Visit the Center for Racial Healing's YouTube page for our webinars, messages from Dr. Meeks and more information on the Center and dismantling systemic racism.
Dr. Meeks joins J. Chester Johnson, author of the newly released book Damaged Heritage: The Elaine Race Massacre and A Story of Reconciliation, for a discussion about the massacre and race relations in America today.
Listen in as Dr. Catherine Meeks and the Rev. Ed Bacon provide a brave space to express grief and outrage at the heartbreaking and appalling killings of Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and to remember the many innocent African Americans whose lives have been taken because of hatred and racism.
Welcome from Dr. Catherine Meeks and Bishop Robert Wright
The Episcopal Church has a plan for Racial Reconciliation. Read it.
Share the work you, your church or organization is doing to foster racial healing.
The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing
807 Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard | Atlanta, Georgia 30314
404-601-5335 | centerforracialhealing@episcopalatlanta.org
Catherine Meeks, PhD, Executive Director
807 Atlanta Student Movement Boulevard | Atlanta, Georgia 30314
404-601-5335 | centerforracialhealing@episcopalatlanta.org
Catherine Meeks, PhD, Executive Director