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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An unidentified woman stands on stage in front of children. The children sit in rows of wooden chair in front of the stage. Other unidentified adult sit in folding chairs behind the unidentified woman. The unidentified woman is handing an unidentified boy an unidentified object.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Woman on Stage, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified woman stands on stage in front of children. The children sit in rows of wooden chair in front of the stage. Other unidentified adult sit in folding chairs behind the unidentified woman. The unidentified woman is handing an unidentified boy an unidentified object.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified young woman in a red cap & gown stands next to an older woman, possibly her grandmother, on a small short staircase.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Older Woman and Young Woman in Cap & Gown, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified young woman in a red cap & gown stands next to an older woman, possibly her grandmother, on a small short staircase.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified young woman in a cap & gown holds her diploma under her arm.
James H. Costen Collection
Young Woman in Cap & Gown Holds Diploma, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified young woman in a cap & gown holds her diploma under her arm.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified group, possibly a family, stand on a staircase and poses for pictures.
James H. Costen Collection
An Unidentified Group Poses for Pictures, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified group, possibly a family, stand on a staircase and poses for pictures.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A crowd of people stand around a doorway around a young girl in a red cap and gown.
James H. Costen Collection
Crowd Standing in a Doorway, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
A crowd of people stand around a doorway around a young girl in a red cap and gown.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified young woman in a cap & gown and an unidentified man, possibly her father, stand next to each other arm in arm.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Couple Stand Together Arm in Arm, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified young woman in a cap & gown and an unidentified man, possibly her father, stand next to each other arm in arm.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified young woman in a cap & gown and an unidentified man, possibly her father, pose for a photo. They are standing next to each other arm in arm.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Couple Stand Together Arm in Arm, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified young woman in a cap & gown and an unidentified man, possibly her father, pose for a photo. They are standing next to each other arm in arm.
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 Stand on Steps, 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
An unidentified girl smiling.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Girl, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified girl smiling.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified group, possibly a family, pose for pictures at young girls high school graduation.
James H. Costen Collection
An Unidentified Group Posing for Pictures, circa 1988
Date Created
1984/1989
Description
An unidentified group, possibly a family, pose for pictures at young girls high school graduation.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Church Service: Shall We Look for Another, May 24, 1971
Date Created
1981-05-24
Description
Subject
African American Presbyterians, Sermons, Gospel music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Student Receives Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Professors, graduates, and the general public attend the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Attendees of the I.T.C. Graduation Ceremony, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Professors, graduates, and the general public attend the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member kisses a graduate to congratulate her on graduating.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Faculty Member Congratulates Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member kisses a graduate to congratulate her on graduating.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants During Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a speech.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A group of women stand in front of a bouquet of flowers on a table. Written on recto: Hostesses (L-R): Valerie Crawford, Jean Wil Kerson, Franis Mitchell, Mrs. Minnie Wright, Pamela Wyatt, and Christy Esau.
James H. Costen Collection
Senior Breakfast, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
A group of women stand in front of a bouquet of flowers on a table. Written on recto: Hostesses (L-R): Valerie Crawford, Jean Wil Kerson, Franis Mitchell, Mrs. Minnie Wright, Pamela Wyatt, and Christy Esau.
Subject
Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Nathaniel Stampley and his wife walking through tables at the 1979 senior breakfast.
James H. Costen Collection
Nathaniel Stampley and His Wife, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Nathaniel Stampley and his wife walking through tables at the 1979 senior breakfast.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants Sitting on Platform, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform Participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate stands on stage in front of platform participants.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate on Stage, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate stands on stage in front of platform participants.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An award is presented to an unidentified man by Howard Robinson at the 1979 senior breakfast.
James H. Costen Collection
Award Presented by Howard Robinson, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An award is presented to an unidentified man by Howard Robinson at the 1979 senior breakfast.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified man gives a commencement address.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Gives Commencement Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified man gives a commencement address.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address during I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants Listening to a Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) listen to a commencement address during I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate is given a red hood by a faculty member.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate is Given Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate is given a red hood by a faculty member.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Members of the platform participants during the graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Members of the platform participants during the graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen leads the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Melva Costen leads the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate crosses the stage in front of a faculty member at a graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate with Unidentified Faculty, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate crosses the stage in front of a faculty member at a graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member delivers a commencement address to the class of 1979.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Man Delivers Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member delivers a commencement address to the class of 1979.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate stands with her classmates as part of the graduation ceremonies.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Graduates Standing, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate stands with her classmates as part of the graduation ceremonies.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen delivers a speech, while Dr. Grant Shockley looks on.
James H. Costen Collection
James Costen Delivers a Commencement Address, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
James Costen delivers a speech, while Dr. Grant Shockley looks on.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
The I.T.C. Center Chorus sits during a commencement speech.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Center Chorus Rests During Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
The I.T.C. Center Chorus sits during a commencement speech.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate in front of platform participants.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate Receives His Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member places a red hood on a graduate in front of platform participants.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate smiles as he crosses the stage with his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate with Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate smiles as he crosses the stage with his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member has an exchange with a graduate as he crosses the stage.
James H. Costen Collection
Faculty Member has Friendly Exchange with Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member has an exchange with a graduate as he crosses the stage.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Ida Wells at the 1979 senior breakfast.
James H. Costen Collection
Ida Wells, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Ida Wells at the 1979 senior breakfast.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
A soloist sings lead in front of the I.T.C. Center Chorus at the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Soloist Singing with the I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
A soloist sings lead in front of the I.T.C. Center Chorus at the I.T.C. graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Grant Shockley stands next to James Costen giving a commencement address to the graduating class.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Faculty Member Gives Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Dr. Grant Shockley stands next to James Costen giving a commencement address to the graduating class.
Subject
Presidents, Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified women and one unidentified man sit at a table during the senior breakfast.
James H. Costen Collection
Three People Sitting at a Table, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Two unidentified women and one unidentified man sit at a table during the senior breakfast.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) look on during graduation proceedings.
James H. Costen Collection
Platform Participants, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Platform participants (President, Board of Trustees, and Deans) look on during graduation proceedings.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified men stand at a podium to give a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Men Give a Speech, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Two unidentified men stand at a podium to give a speech.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen directing the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Melva Costen directing the I.T.C. Center Chorus.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives a hood.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Graduate Receives Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate receives a hood.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate receives a red hood with his diploma.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified I.T.C. Graduate Receives Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified I.T.C. graduate receives a red hood with his diploma.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate at the 1979 graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate at the 1979 graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Members of the I.T.C. Center Chorus singing.
James H. Costen Collection
I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Members of the I.T.C. Center Chorus singing.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified Graduate with Diploma and Red Hood, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate receives his diploma and red hood.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate smiles as she crosses the stage and receives her diploma, followed by James Costen.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Smiling as She Receives Her Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate smiles as she crosses the stage and receives her diploma, followed by James Costen.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen directs the I.T.C Center Chorus at the class of 1979 graduation ceremony.
James H. Costen Collection
Melva Costen with the I.T.C. Center Chorus, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Melva Costen directs the I.T.C Center Chorus at the class of 1979 graduation ceremony.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, Gospel music, African Americans--Music
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. David Copeland presides over closing prayer.
James H. Costen Collection
Rev. David Copeland Delivers Prayer, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
Rev. David Copeland presides over closing prayer.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified faculty member looks into the audience as he gives his commencement address.
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified I.T.C. Faculty Member Gives Commencement Address at Graduation, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified faculty member looks into the audience as he gives his commencement address.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
An unidentified graduate shakes James Costen's hand while she receives a red hood.
James H. Costen Collection
Graduate Shakes Faculty Member's Hand While Receiving Diploma, 1979
Date Created
1979
Description
An unidentified graduate shakes James Costen's hand while she receives a red hood.
Subject
Commencement ceremonies, African Americans--Education, African American universities and colleges
Collection
James H. Costen Collection