Lawrence L. Durgin
Lawrence Lazelle Durgin | |
---|---|
Born | Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | September 28, 1918
Died | August 11, 1981 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. | (aged 62)
Alma mater | Dartmouth College |
Occupation | Minister |
Spouse | Eunice King |
Children | 2 |
Lawrence Lazelle Durgin (September 28, 1918 – August 11, 1981) was a Congregational minister and social activist. He was dedicated to racial equality, and was known for his work on "urban and social issues" in New York City.[1]
Early life and education
He was born in Newark, New Jersey to Russell Luther Durgin and Delphine Lazelle. He was raised in Japan, where his father was secretary of the Y.M.C.A. in Tokyo. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1940, where he was president of the Dartmouth Christian Union, and from Oberlin School of Theology in 1944.[1] He received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Brown University in 1957 and another from Oberlin College.
Ministry
He was minister at Orient Congregational Church in Orient Point, New York from 1944-1947; First Congregational Church in Norwich, New York c. 1948-1952; Central Congregational Church in Providence, Rhode Island, from 1952 to 1961; and Broadway United Church of Christ in New York City from 1961 to 1980.[1][2]
He was instrumental in forming a relationship between historically black Tougaloo College in Mississippi and Brown University in his capacity as a minister at Central Church in Providence.[3] In 1980, he became vice president of development at Tougaloo College. After serving on the board of Tougaloo College, he became the Vice President for Development and Public Relations in 1980.
With his wife, he was involved in the founding of Habitat for Humanity. He was also involved in many inter-religious organizations, including the National Council of Churches. He was president of the Rhode Island Council of Churches. He was the moderator of the Metropolitan Association of the United Church of Christ, president of the Manhattan Division of the Council of Churches, and co-founder of the Jerusalem Conference for Christians and Israelis.[4] He served on the boards of the Andover Newton Theological School and the Northfield Mount Hermon School.
Personal life
Durgin married Eunice King (1918–2005) in 1941 and had two children. He died in Tougaloo, Mississippi in 1981, and a funeral was held in the Tougaloo College Chapel.
References
- ^ a b c Waggoner, Walter. "REV. LAWRENCE L. DURGIN, 63, EX-BROADWAY CHURCH PASTOR". The New York Times.
- ^ "Lawrence Lazelle Durgin, The Eighth Pastor, 1961-1980". Broadway United Church of Christ. Archived from the original on 2015-04-02. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
- ^ "Tougaloo College". Encyclopedia Brunoniana.
- ^ "Memorial services scheduled Saturday for Dr. Durgin, 63". Clarion-Ledger.