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News, events, updates, and tidbits from the Presbyterian Historical Society. Use tags to read related articles or sort by author for similar posts written by PHS staff members and volunteers.

African American Leaders: Shelton Bishop Waters

January 4, 2024

Shelton Bishop Waters at his desk, 1950s. From accession 23-0508.

Each month, the Presbyterian Historical Society is bearing witness to the lives of African American leaders throughout the history of the...

Author:

David S

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African American Leaders Series in 2023

December 18, 2023

This year, PHS kicked off its African American Leaders series, a blog series that celebrates the lives and work of Black Presbyterians. Each month in 2023, we've published biographies of African American ministers, educators, organizers, theologians, and human rights activists. And, included in each blog post is a free bulletin insert that churches can download and share with their congregation. Continue reading to learn more about these trailblazers and stay-tuned as we’ll...

Author:

Kristen

Tags:

African American History, African American Leaders Series, African American Presbyterians

Remembering Melva Costen

September 12, 2023

"Let's continue our worship. You're just going to have to follow the cantor," begins Dr. Melva Costen at the beginning of a seminar on African American worship, leading the group in the Zulu church song Thuma Mina. The group sings "Send me Jesus, send me Lord." Dr. Melva Wilson Costen, Presbyterian intellectual, and key source in the study of African American church music and worship, died September 8 in Atlanta. She was 90 years old.

Melva Ruby Wilson was...

Author:

David S

Tags:

African American History, News and Events

African American Leaders: Irvin Windfield Underhill, Jr.

August 7, 2023

Irvin W. Underhill, 1923. Image courtesy of New York Public Library.

Each month, the Presbyterian Historical Society is bearing witness to the lives of African American leaders throughout the history of the denomination. Click here to learn how PHS is collecting records of the Black...

Author:

McKenna

Tags:

African American Leaders Series, African American History

Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II

June 22, 2023

At the end of June, Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II will conclude his historic tenure as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Throughout his seven years in the role, Rev. Nelson’s leadership has inspired the Presbyterian Historical Society in immeasurable ways. He has compelled and empowered us to consider how PHS, the national archives of the PC(USA), can do more to document a fuller history of the church; he has guided us through challenging and trying times with grace and compassion; and he reminds us all that history can inform, inspire, and...

Author:

Nancy

Tags:

News and Events, African American History

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Blog

African American Leaders: Shelton Bishop Waters

African American Leaders Series in 2023

Remembering Melva Costen

African American Leaders: Irvin Windfield Underhill, Jr.

Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II