Dr. James H. Costen was Presbyterian minister and educator, and served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from 1983 to 1997. In 1969, he became the first Dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary the only historically Black theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Costenss records tell the story of an active educator and administrator with the papers providing rich resources in the study of African American religion and education in the South. At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
Jun 13, 2019

James H. Costen Collection

Dr. James H. Costen was Presbyterian minister and educator, and served as president of the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) from 1983 to 1997. In 1969, he became the first Dean of the Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary the only historically Black theological seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Costenss records tell the story of an active educator and administrator with the papers providing rich resources in the study of African American religion and education in the South.

At the AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library we are always striving to improve our digital collections. We welcome additional information about people, places, or events depicted in any of the works in this collection. To submit information, please contact us at DSD@auctr.edu. 
223 Objects displayed
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Bennie Mitchell & Angelin Simmons stand shoulder to shoulder at an ITC Grand Reunion. Written on verso: ITC Grand Reunion 1994. Bennie Mitchell, Angelin Simmons.
James H. Costen Collection
Bennie Mitchell & Angelin Simmons at an ITC Grand Reunion, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
Bennie Mitchell & Angelin Simmons stand shoulder to shoulder at an ITC Grand Reunion. Written on verso: ITC Grand Reunion 1994. Bennie Mitchell, Angelin Simmons.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group attends an I.T.C. grand reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Angelin Simmons. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
James H. Costen Collection
Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Angelin Simmons, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
A group attends an I.T.C. grand reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Angelin Simmons. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Katie Cannon sitting against a brick wall. Written on verso: Katie Cannon 1994.
James H. Costen Collection
Katie Cannon, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
Katie Cannon sitting against a brick wall. Written on verso: Katie Cannon 1994.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group attends a grand reunion. Written on verso: Angelin, Mr. & Mrs. Littleton Price, Spencer Gibbs, Karen Callier, Cleo & Portia Lacy. Grand reunion 1994 - ITC.
James H. Costen Collection
Angelin Simmons, Mr. & Mrs. Littleton Price, Spencer Gibbs, Karen Callier, Cleo & Portia Lacy., 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
A group attends a grand reunion. Written on verso: Angelin, Mr. & Mrs. Littleton Price, Spencer Gibbs, Karen Callier, Cleo & Portia Lacy. Grand reunion 1994 - ITC.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group stands with their arms around each other at the I.T.C. Grand Reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Katie Cannon. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
James H. Costen Collection
Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, & Katie Cannon, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
A group stands with their arms around each other at the I.T.C. Grand Reunion. Written on verso: Gloria Tate, Mr. Simmons, Minnie, Katie Cannon. ITC Grand Reunion 1994.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Minnie and Gloria Tate at a grand reunion. Written on verso: Minnie & Gloria Tate. Grand Reunion 1994 - ITC.
James H. Costen Collection
Minnie and Gloria Tate, 1994
Date Created
1994
Description
Minnie and Gloria Tate at a grand reunion. Written on verso: Minnie & Gloria Tate. Grand Reunion 1994 - ITC.
Subject
African American women, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The parking lot and the north facing of the Turner building. Written on recto: North elevation of Turner.
James H. Costen Collection
Northside Turner Building, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The parking lot and the north facing of the Turner building. Written on recto: North elevation of Turner.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
East side of the physical plant.
James H. Costen Collection
Physical Plant, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
East side of the physical plant.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The faade of Gammon Residence: King Building.
James H. Costen Collection
Gammon Residence: King Building, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The faade of Gammon Residence: King Building.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The Westside entrance to the Bennet Hall building. Written on recto: West elevation of Bennet Hall.
James H. Costen Collection
Bennet Hall, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The Westside entrance to the Bennet Hall building. Written on recto: West elevation of Bennet Hall.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two trash bins are turned upside down. The concrete is eroded where the brick meets the concrete and the railing along the stairs is rusted. Written on recto: Dining hall loading dock.
James H. Costen Collection
The Dining Hall Loading Dock, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
Two trash bins are turned upside down. The concrete is eroded where the brick meets the concrete and the railing along the stairs is rusted. Written on recto: Dining hall loading dock.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson stands behind a podium and delivers a speech at an unidentified location.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson at Podium, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
Rev. Jesse Jackson stands behind a podium and delivers a speech at an unidentified location.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events, Lectures and lecturing
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The west view of the married housing building.
James H. Costen Collection
West View of Married Housing, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The west view of the married housing building.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The double door entrance to the south elevation of the Gammon Theological Seminary building.
James H. Costen Collection
South Elevation of Gammon, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The double door entrance to the south elevation of the Gammon Theological Seminary building.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two Windows on the east side of the dining hall. Written on recto: East view of dining hall.
James H. Costen Collection
East View of the Dining Hall, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
Two Windows on the east side of the dining hall. Written on recto: East view of dining hall.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A crack in the wall of the northwest corner of the Gammon Theological Seminary building.
James H. Costen Collection
Northwest Corner of Gammon, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
A crack in the wall of the northwest corner of the Gammon Theological Seminary building.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The roof of a classroom building.
James H. Costen Collection
Roof of Classroom Building, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The roof of a classroom building.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The south entrance of the Phillips School of Theology. Written on recto: South elevation of Phillips.
James H. Costen Collection
Phillips School of Theology, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The south entrance of the Phillips School of Theology. Written on recto: South elevation of Phillips.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The brush area west of the parking lot.
James H. Costen Collection
Brush Area, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The brush area west of the parking lot.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson gives a speech to a crowded auditorium at an unidentified location.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks at an Auditorium, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
Rev. Jesse Jackson gives a speech to a crowded auditorium at an unidentified location.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events, Lectures and lecturing
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The south view of the dormitory with a view of an abandoned electrical substation.
James H. Costen Collection
South View of the Dormitory, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The south view of the dormitory with a view of an abandoned electrical substation.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and an Unidentified man laughing while attending an event featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Unidentified Man in an Auditorium, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
James Costen and an Unidentified man laughing while attending an event featuring Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen stands with other unidentified people in front of an unidentified building.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Others, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
James Costen stands with other unidentified people in front of an unidentified building.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson on stage preparing for a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
Rev. Jesse Jackson on stage preparing for a speech.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The parking lot and the Westside of the Turner building. Written on recto: West elevation of Turner.
James H. Costen Collection
Westside Turner Building, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The parking lot and the Westside of the Turner building. Written on recto: West elevation of Turner.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson stands behind a podium and addresses a crowd.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. Jesse Jackson Giving a Speech, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
Rev. Jesse Jackson stands behind a podium and addresses a crowd.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events, Lectures and lecturing
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A packed parking lot where the north elevation of classrooms and a chapel are located.
James H. Costen Collection
North Elevation of Classroom/Chapel, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
A packed parking lot where the north elevation of classrooms and a chapel are located.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The south side of the married housing building with physical plant and parking lot.
James H. Costen Collection
South View of Married Housing, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The south side of the married housing building with physical plant and parking lot.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The southeast corner of the Phillips School of Theology building. Written on recto: Southeast corner of Phillips crack-base to the roof.
James H. Costen Collection
Southeast corner of Phillips School of Theology, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The southeast corner of the Phillips School of Theology building. Written on recto: Southeast corner of Phillips crack-base to the roof.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The east view of a classroom building on I.T.C. campus.
James H. Costen Collection
East View of Classroom Building, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The east view of a classroom building on I.T.C. campus.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The East view of the dormitory.
James H. Costen Collection
East View of Dorm, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
The East view of the dormitory.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A hole cut into the fence on I.T.C.'s campus. Written on recto: Fence students continue to cut for access.
James H. Costen Collection
Cut Fence, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
A hole cut into the fence on I.T.C.'s campus. Written on recto: Fence students continue to cut for access.
Subject
Buildings and grounds, Theological seminaries
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and an Unidentified man sit and listen to a speech given by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Unidentified Man Sitting Together, circa 1995
Date Created
1992/1998
Description
James Costen and an Unidentified man sit and listen to a speech given by Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Mance Jackson stand with an unidentified woman. Written on verso: Costen, Mance Jackson.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Mance Jackson, circa 1994
Date Created
1991/1997
Description
James Costen and Mance Jackson stand with an unidentified woman. Written on verso: Costen, Mance Jackson.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Hattie Loving holds out a pen and paper while she stands by a banquet table. Written on verso: 1988 Internal campaign Hattie Loving.
James H. Costen Collection
Hattie Loving, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Hattie Loving holds out a pen and paper while she stands by a banquet table. Written on verso: 1988 Internal campaign Hattie Loving.
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Sanders, Portia Vavett, and Barbara [Arrington] eating at a an [Internal] Campaign. Written on verso: 1988 Internal Campaign James Sanders, Portia Vavett, Barbara [Arrington].
James H. Costen Collection
James Sanders, Portia Vavett, and Barbara Arrington, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
James Sanders, Portia Vavett, and Barbara [Arrington] eating at a an [Internal] Campaign. Written on verso: 1988 Internal Campaign James Sanders, Portia Vavett, Barbara [Arrington].
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified People eating and carrying on conversation at a banquet during an internal campaign. Written on verso: Internal Campaign 1988.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified People at a Banquet, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Unidentified People eating and carrying on conversation at a banquet during an internal campaign. Written on verso: Internal Campaign 1988.
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen, Jane Jeeles at an internal campaign. Written on verso: Terence Gray Internal Campaign - Costen, Jane Jeeles.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen and Jane Jeeles at an Internal Campaign, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
James Costen, Jane Jeeles at an internal campaign. Written on verso: Terence Gray Internal Campaign - Costen, Jane Jeeles.
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, Lloyd McGriff sitting down to banquet at an internal campaign Written on verso: 1988 Internal Campaign Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, Lloyd McGriff.
James H. Costen Collection
Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, and Lloyd McGriff, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, Lloyd McGriff sitting down to banquet at an internal campaign Written on verso: 1988 Internal Campaign Kim Yorky, Loyd Meesuff, S.L Williams, Lawrence Wills, Lloyd McGriff.
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Written on verso: Board of Trustees, Stillman College-Tuscaloosa, Alabama 1988. Left to right - First row: George H. Weldon, New York; Sarah L. (Sue) Thompson, Tuscaloosa; Houston H. Harte, San Antonio; Chairperson Cordell Wynn, Tuscaloosa, President. Left to right - Second Row: Alex A. Chambers, Tenn.; Ollie Page, Miami; James H. Costen, Atlanta; Richard A. Thigpen, Tuscaloosa; Mrs. Joseph (Gene) Shannon, Bradenton; Moses C. Jones, Tuscaloosa. Left to right - Third row: E. Granger WIlliams, Little Rock; Wardell Craft, Detroit; Helen Hubbard; Ervin Elligan, Miami; Eugene H. Webb, New York; Samuel Ethredge. Left to right - Fourth row: Eugene L. McCabe, New York; Heywood Strickland, Atlanta; Edward L. Parrish, Birmingham; Carl W. Albright, Tuscaloosa; M.J. Williams, Washington, D.C.
James H. Costen Collection
Board of Trustees at Stillman College, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Written on verso: Board of Trustees, Stillman College-Tuscaloosa, Alabama 1988. Left to right - First row: George H. Weldon, New York; Sarah L. (Sue) Thompson, Tuscaloosa; Houston H. Harte, San Antonio; Chairperson Cordell Wynn, Tuscaloosa, President. Left to right - Second Row: Alex A. Chambers, Tenn.; Ollie Page, Miami; James H. Costen, Atlanta; Richard A. Thigpen, Tuscaloosa; Mrs. Joseph (Gene) Shannon, Bradenton; Moses C. Jones, Tuscaloosa. Left to right - Third row: E. Granger WIlliams, Little Rock; Wardell Craft, Detroit; Helen Hubbard; Ervin Elligan, Miami; Eugene H. Webb, New York; Samuel Ethredge. Left to right - Fourth row: Eugene L. McCabe, New York; Heywood Strickland, Atlanta; Edward L. Parrish, Birmingham; Carl W. Albright, Tuscaloosa; M.J. Williams, Washington, D.C.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, Groups and organizations, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Bobby Bean eating at a banquet during an internal campaign. Written on verso: 1988 Internal campaign Kim Yarber, Bobby Bean.
James H. Costen Collection
Bobby Bean, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Bobby Bean eating at a banquet during an internal campaign. Written on verso: 1988 Internal campaign Kim Yarber, Bobby Bean.
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified people sit along a long table to eat. Written on verso: 1988 internal campaign.
James H. Costen Collection
Banquet at an Internal Campaign, 1988
Date Created
1988
Description
Unidentified people sit along a long table to eat. Written on verso: 1988 internal campaign.
Subject
Portraits and people, Theological seminaries, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified woman speaking on stage in front of a crowd of children. Unidentified adults sit in a line in folding chairs.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Woman Standing on Stage, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified woman speaking on stage in front of a crowd of children. Unidentified adults sit in a line in folding chairs.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group of unidentified girls sing around a singular microphone on stage. A children's orchestra sits in the orchestra holding their instruments.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Girls Singing, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
A group of unidentified girls sing around a singular microphone on stage. A children's orchestra sits in the orchestra holding their instruments.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified group, possibly a family, stand on a staircase with and pose for pictures with an unidentified young woman in a red cap & gown.
James H. Costen Collection
An Unidentified Group Standing on Staircase, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified group, possibly a family, stand on a staircase with and pose for pictures with an unidentified young woman in a red cap & gown.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified students stand on a stage, behind podiums with academic symbols on them. The students are wearing graduation caps and gowns.
James H. Costen Collection
Students Standing Behind Podiums, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
Unidentified students stand on a stage, behind podiums with academic symbols on them. The students are wearing graduation caps and gowns.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified young woman wearing a red cap and gown stands next to an unidentified older woman, possibly her Grandmother.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Older Woman and Young Woman in Cap and Gown, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified young woman wearing a red cap and gown stands next to an unidentified older woman, possibly her Grandmother.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified girls stand in front an audience of other children. A group of unidentified adults sit in a line of folding chairs behind them.
James H. Costen Collection
Two Unidentified Girls Performing on Stage, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
Two unidentified girls stand in front an audience of other children. A group of unidentified adults sit in a line of folding chairs behind them.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified girl stands next to an unidentified man, possibly her father.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Girl with an Unidentified Man, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified girl stands next to an unidentified man, possibly her father.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified young woman stands holding her diploma under her arm.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Young Woman in Cap and Gown Poses with Diploma, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified young woman stands holding her diploma under her arm.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection