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. 
45 Objects displayed
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  • Subjects = Special events
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dr. Copher sits next to Mrs. Copher in a Santa suit. Written on rector: Dr. and Mrs. Copher.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. & Mrs. Copher, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Copher sits next to Mrs. Copher in a Santa suit. Written on rector: Dr. and Mrs. Copher.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher wears a Santa suit to the 1978 Christmas party.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher Wearing a Santa Suit, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Copher wears a Santa suit to the 1978 Christmas party.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Unidentified People at the 1978 Christmas party.
James H. Costen Collection
People at a Christmas Party, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Unidentified People at the 1978 Christmas party.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Two unidentified women sit at the back of the room and eat snacks.
James H. Costen Collection
Women Sit and Eat, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Two unidentified women sit at the back of the room and eat snacks.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher attends the 1978 Christmas party in a Santa suit.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Copher in a Santa Suit, 1978
Date Created
1978
Description
Dr. Copher attends the 1978 Christmas party in a Santa suit.
Subject
Portraits and people, African Americans--Religion, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
People gather to listen to an unidentified person give a speech.
James H. Costen Collection
People Listen to a Speech, circa 1976
Date Created
1974/1978
Description
People gather to listen to an unidentified person give a speech.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Special events, Lectures and lecturing
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Hyla S. Watters stands with Harry V. Richardson and Directors while holding a wrapped gift in her hands. Written on verso: 2/22/68 Dr. Hyla S. Watters visits L.T.C. - seen with HVR & Directors.
James H. Costen Collection
Dr. Hyla S. Watters with I.T.C. Directors, February 22, 1968
Date Created
1968-02-22
Description
Dr. Hyla S. Watters stands with Harry V. Richardson and Directors while holding a wrapped gift in her hands. Written on verso: 2/22/68 Dr. Hyla S. Watters visits L.T.C. - seen with HVR & Directors.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection
United Negro College Fund Presidents visit the United Nations. Written on recto: United Negro College Fund Presidents at the United Nations - 3/18/55. Written on verso: "(VIS:USA:55) PRESIDENTS OF THE NEGRO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES VISIT U.N. UN 45439 - UNITED NATIONS, N.Y., 18 March 1955 - The 33 Presidents of the members of the colleges and universities of the United Negro College Fund this afternoon visited United Nations Headquarters, in New York. Some of them are seen here in one of the U.N. conference rooms, as they were listening to a short welcoming address by Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold. Their visit was organized by the United States Mission to the U.N. Please credit: UNITED NATIONS AF/pcd.
James H. Costen Collection
United Negro College Fund Presidents at the United Nations, March 18, 1955
Date Created
1955-03-08
Description
United Negro College Fund Presidents visit the United Nations. Written on recto: United Negro College Fund Presidents at the United Nations - 3/18/55. Written on verso: "(VIS:USA:55) PRESIDENTS OF THE NEGRO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES VISIT U.N. UN 45439 - UNITED NATIONS, N.Y., 18 March 1955 - The 33 Presidents of the members of the colleges and universities of the United Negro College Fund this afternoon visited United Nations Headquarters, in New York. Some of them are seen here in one of the U.N. conference rooms, as they were listening to a short welcoming address by Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold. Their visit was organized by the United States Mission to the U.N. Please credit: UNITED NATIONS AF/pcd.
Subject
Presidents, Portraits and people, Special events
Collection
James H. Costen Collection