Augustana Celebrates 50 Years of Diversity

by Judi Bucci and Tommie L. Robinson, Jr.

As we pause to think about the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in this world, it is fitting and proper that we are reminded of how Augustana Lutheran Church fits into the picture. The year was 1954 during which the country was changed by the Supreme Courts decision on Brown vs. the Topeka board of education. This began the battle for civil rights and the impact was beginning to take effect all over the country. Jim Crow laws were being challenged and these United States were feeling uneasy about racial relations.

Yet throughout these turbulent times, some very difficult decision were being made by this church's council and congregation that would leave an everlasting impact on Augustana. I can imagine that tempers flared and harsh words were said; yet the gentle thoughts prevailed. For it was in 1954 that Augustana became a racially diverse congregation. I have heard some say that it was probably among one of the first openly integrated churches in the country where there was not a separate seating section for blacks.

We pause this year to celebrate the integration of Augustana and rejoice in the fact that we have become one of the most diverse churches in this country and were instrumental in activities during the civil rights movement. Well, here we are 50 years later and still standing strong with the lingering questions, where do we go from here? and how do we rejoice and celebrate Gods goodness in making us trustees of Martin's dream?

So here is the invitation, as co-chairs we have been charged by the Augustana church council to develop and implement activities to address these questions. We would like to invite you to become task force members and/or part of a think-tank to help us remember and plan to meet the challenges of our charge.

Finally, but not least, we would like to recognize and make this golden anniversary memorable for our family past and present while keeping alive this church's mission statement, marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.

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The Augustanan
Newsletter
February 2004

This Issue:

Pastor's Message
Ask the Pastor
Accessibility Update
50 Years of Diversity
Getting to Know Us
Grace and Sacrifice
Committee Updates
Committee Schedule
Calendar

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Augustana Lutheran Church

Augustana Lutheran Church
2100 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-6507

Church Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm