Seminary Archives at Bishop Payne Library

Seminary Archives at Bishop Payne Library Collect-preserve-make available records about VTS/Bishop Payne Divinity School and the African American Episcopal Historical Collection. vts.edu/archives

In the papers of VTS professor Charles Price is this letter expressing regret for not being in communication concerning ...
04/07/2026

In the papers of VTS professor Charles Price is this letter expressing regret for not being in communication concerning the reunion of the VTS Class of 1949, because the sender, VTS alum José G. Saucedo, had just been elected and consecrated the Primate of the newly autonomous Anglican Church of Mexico.

Mark Your Calendar!
03/06/2026

Mark Your Calendar!

To mark the approaching Feast of Absalom Jones, the African American Episcopal Historical Collection has curated an exhi...
02/10/2026

To mark the approaching Feast of Absalom Jones, the African American Episcopal Historical Collection has curated an exhibit dedicated to both Absalom Jones and Richard Allen. While some attempt to erase their contributions, the AAEHC is proud to honor their legacy and impact on the Black Christian experience in the United States.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2027–28 academic year, concludi...
02/05/2026

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D., has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2027–28 academic year, concluding 21 years of transformative leadership as Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and six years as President of The General Theological Seminary. Here he is pictured with his family and the then Chairman of the VTS Board, Bishop Peter Lee, at his installation as Dean of the Seminary.

The Boards of Trustees of VTS and GTS have launched an international search for the next Dean and President. Learn more about the search and how to engage here: https://vts.edu/dean-search/

Applications Are Open! Information on applying for a research travel grant to the African American Episcopal Historical ...
02/03/2026

Applications Are Open! Information on applying for a research travel grant to the African American Episcopal Historical Collection is available at www.vts.edu/AAEHC

On March 31, 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his last Sunday Sermon from the Canterbury Pulpit of t...
01/19/2026

On March 31, 1968, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his last Sunday Sermon from the Canterbury Pulpit of the Washington National Cathedral. Four days later he was assassinated. VTS's first African American student, John T. Walker, was Canon for the Cathedral at the time and was instrumental in arranging the historic visit of Dr. King.

“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” was written by VTS Alumni Bishop Phillips Brooks. After visiting Bethlehem on Christmas Ev...
12/22/2025

“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” was written by VTS Alumni Bishop Phillips Brooks. After visiting Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1865 and standing near the place of Christ’s birth, the beauty and simplicity of that night stayed with him. Years later, he put that holy memory into words for the children of his church—giving the world one of its most beloved Christmas carols.

On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the Seminary Archives at Bishop Payne Library acknowledges VTS's...
12/02/2025

On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the Seminary Archives at Bishop Payne Library acknowledges VTS's participation in the institution of slavery, and we reaffirm our commitment to justice and healing through the VTS Reparations Program—honoring those who labored under slavery and oppression, and elevating Black voices for a more inclusive future.

The Seminary Archives at Bishop Payne Library wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving!Pictured is the newly built refectory,...
11/27/2025

The Seminary Archives at Bishop Payne Library wishes you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Pictured is the newly built refectory, serving a holiday meal in the early 1950s. See if you can spot a young John Thomas Walker.

11/21/2025

Hope out of oppression and pain. In a circle of worship at Colonial Williamsburg, participants in the AAEHC's Truth & Reconciliation Pilgrimage asked that the legacy of oppression would continue to be the foundation to restore the fundamental humanity of those who in mind, body and spirit survived or succumbed the oppressors' determination to dehumanize. The liturgy exhorted the descendants of the enslaved, who like their ancestors, are determined to have communities of strength, resilience and hope. The prayers asked that the scars of history would become signs of new life in the resurrected Christ. 🎥Credit Gayle Fisher-Stewart

From the The General Theological Seminary archives at Bishop Payne Library: the historic concordat with the Scottish Epi...
11/19/2025

From the The General Theological Seminary archives at Bishop Payne Library: the historic concordat with the Scottish Episcopal Church that recognized The Episcopal Church as a true branch of Anglicanism. Signed by Scottish bishops Robert Kilgore, John Skinner, Arthur Petrie—and America’s first bishop, Samuel Seabury.

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