This collection contains the photographs from the life and work of Reverend Robert E. Penn, a Baptist minister and educator. Penn was born in a rural coal mining town in West Virginia, and went on to receive degrees from Clark College, Gammon Theological Seminary, and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a chaplain during World War II, and later after his pastoral work in Kansas City, Kansas, and Gary, Indiana, Penn returned to Atlanta to become Director of Field Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1973. These photographs document Rev. Penns family life and friend in West Virginia, Indiana, and Georgia, as well as his work as Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, and Director of Field Education at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary. 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 5, 2019

Robert E. Penn Collection

This collection contains the photographs from the life and work of Reverend Robert E. Penn, a Baptist minister and educator. Penn was born in a rural coal mining town in West Virginia, and went on to receive degrees from Clark College, Gammon Theological Seminary, and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He was a chaplain during World War II, and later after his pastoral work in Kansas City, Kansas, and Gary, Indiana, Penn returned to Atlanta to become Director of Field Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center in 1973. These photographs document Rev. Penns family life and friend in West Virginia, Indiana, and Georgia, as well as his work as Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, and Director of Field Education at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary.

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. 
114 Objects displayed
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A baseball player catches a ball with his foot on the plate.
Robert E. Penn Collection
A Baseball Player Catching a Ball, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A baseball player catches a ball with his foot on the plate.
Subject
African American athletes
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified baseball player holds a bat over his shoulder.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Baseball Player Holding a Bat, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
An unidentified baseball player holds a bat over his shoulder.
Subject
African American athletes
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A baseball player throws a pitch across the mound.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Baseball Player Throwing a Pitch, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A baseball player throws a pitch across the mound.
Subject
African American athletes
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A baseball player throws a pitch across the mound.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Baseball Player Throwing a Pitch, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A baseball player throws a pitch across the mound.
Subject
African American athletes
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A car drives down the road in front of hillside houses.
Robert E. Penn Collection
A Car in Front of a House, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A car drives down the road in front of hillside houses.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Buildings and grounds
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A contact sheet with three photographs of unidentified people out on a grassy lawn.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Contact Sheet of Unidentified People, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A contact sheet with three photographs of unidentified people out on a grassy lawn.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified group of people gather in three rows in front of a stage for a portrait. Council of Religious Education. Written on verso: Council of Rel. Ed.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Council of Religious Education, circa 1950
Date Created
1947/1953
Description
An unidentified group of people gather in three rows in front of a stage for a portrait. Council of Religious Education. Written on verso: Council of Rel. Ed.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Groups and organizations
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified family stand outside of a house in front of some wooden stairs.
Robert E. Penn Collection
A Family, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
An unidentified family stand outside of a house in front of some wooden stairs.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
The front entrance of the First Baptist Church of Gary.
Robert E. Penn Collection
First Baptist Church of Gary, circa 1945
Date Created
1942/1948
Description
The front entrance of the First Baptist Church of Gary.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Buildings and grounds, African American churches
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Five baseball players crouch down for a portrait on a baseball field.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Five Baseball Players Crouched on the Field, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Five baseball players crouch down for a portrait on a baseball field.
Subject
African American athletes
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of a young woman wearing a cap and gown. The photo has been personalized to a Rev. [Robert] Penn. Written on verso: To Rev. [Robert] Penn with deep appreciation, Mary Alice "61".
Robert E. Penn Collection
Graduation of Mary Alice, 1961
Date Created
1961
Description
Portrait of a young woman wearing a cap and gown. The photo has been personalized to a Rev. [Robert] Penn. Written on verso: To Rev. [Robert] Penn with deep appreciation, Mary Alice "61".
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Events and programs
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A group of unidentified men in suits stand on the sidewalk in front of a shoe shine shop and a lawyer's office.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Group of Unidentified Men on a Sidewalk, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A group of unidentified men in suits stand on the sidewalk in front of a shoe shine shop and a lawyer's office.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A large group of unidentified men stand in front of a wall covered with ivy.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Group of Unidentified Men Stand in Front of a Wall, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A large group of unidentified men stand in front of a wall covered with ivy.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Harrison Jordon and an unidentified neighbor girl stand outside of a house.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Harrison Jordon and Girl Stand Together, circa 1968
Date Created
1965/1970
Description
Harrison Jordon and an unidentified neighbor girl stand outside of a house.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified woman stands outside behind a house with a steep staircase.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Houses and Staircase, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
An unidentified woman stands outside behind a house with a steep staircase.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Buildings and grounds
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Two unidentified women with a baby stand beneath two houses on a hillside.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Houses on a Hillside, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Two unidentified women with a baby stand beneath two houses on a hillside.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Buildings and grounds
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified girl feeds an Irish Setter a treat.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Irish Setter Receiving a Treat, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified girl feeds an Irish Setter a treat.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified boy and an Irish Setter shake hands.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Irish Setter Shaking Hands with a Boy, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified boy and an Irish Setter shake hands.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An Irish Setter stands at attention for a young boy.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Irish Setter Standing, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An Irish Setter stands at attention for a young boy.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
James K. Jordon (nephew of Robert E. Penn) in military uniform walks down the street in France.
Robert E. Penn Collection
James K. Jordon, circa 1963
Date Created
1960/1965
Description
James K. Jordon (nephew of Robert E. Penn) in military uniform walks down the street in France.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
The rooftops of houses in a neighborhood on a hillside.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Neighborhood Rooftops, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
The rooftops of houses in a neighborhood on a hillside.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Buildings and grounds
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Two men stand outside of a large building. Written on verso: "Clark College new bldg. 1960."
Robert E. Penn Collection
New Building at Clark College, 1960
Date Created
1960
Description
Two men stand outside of a large building. Written on verso: "Clark College new bldg. 1960."
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Buildings and grounds
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A group of unidentified people sit huddled around a table. Several young women are writing on paper. A woman talks on the phone, and several unidentified people stand over them, looking on. A typewriter sits on the end of the table in front of a man and a woman. Written on verso: Newspaper staff.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Newspaper Staff, circa 1945
Date Created
1942/1948
Description
A group of unidentified people sit huddled around a table. Several young women are writing on paper. A woman talks on the phone, and several unidentified people stand over them, looking on. A typewriter sits on the end of the table in front of a man and a woman. Written on verso: Newspaper staff.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified little girl, possibly named Patricia is sitting in front of a backdrop. Written on verso: "Patricia"
Robert E. Penn Collection
Patricia Sitting in Front of Portrait Backdrop, circa 1945
Date Created
1942/1948
Description
An unidentified little girl, possibly named Patricia is sitting in front of a backdrop. Written on verso: "Patricia"
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of a young boy wearing a suit and tie. Written on verso: "Harold"
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of a Boy, circa 1945
Date Created
1942/1948
Description
Portrait of a young boy wearing a suit and tie. Written on verso: "Harold"
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of a young girl wearing a winter coat waves and stands in front of a backdrop.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of a Toddler, circa 1943
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of a young girl wearing a winter coat waves and stands in front of a backdrop.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A portrait of an unidentified girl seated in front of a backdrop.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Girl, circa 1945
Date Created
1942/1948
Description
A portrait of an unidentified girl seated in front of a backdrop.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A portrait of an unidentified man. He is smiling and wearing a suit and tie.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Man, circa 1950
Date Created
1948/1953
Description
A portrait of an unidentified man. He is smiling and wearing a suit and tie.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an unidentified woman smiling in front of a backdrop.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of an unidentified woman smiling in front of a backdrop.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an unidentified woman in a white dress.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of an unidentified woman in a white dress.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an unidentified elderly woman wearing glasses.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of an unidentified elderly woman wearing glasses.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an unidentified woman smiling in front of a backdrop.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of an unidentified woman smiling in front of a backdrop.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an unidentified woman in front of a backdrop.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of an unidentified woman in front of a backdrop.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an unidentified elderly woman wearing glasses.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Portrait of an unidentified elderly woman wearing glasses.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Protrait of an unidentified woman sitting in a chair with her legs crossed in front of a backdrop.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Portrait of an Unidentified Woman, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Protrait of an unidentified woman sitting in a chair with her legs crossed in front of a backdrop.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
A puppy sits at an unidentified woman's feet on a house porch.
Robert E. Penn Collection
A Puppy Sitting on a Porch, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
A puppy sits at an unidentified woman's feet on a house porch.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Rober E. Penn and an unidentified woman work in an office at the First Baptist Church of Gary. Written on verso: "Me & my boss"
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn and a Woman Sit at a Desk, circa 1958
Date Created
1955/1960
Description
Rober E. Penn and an unidentified woman work in an office at the First Baptist Church of Gary. Written on verso: "Me & my boss"
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn and a young woman stand in front of a house.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn with a Young Woman, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
Robert E. Penn and a young woman stand in front of a house.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn and a young woman stand in front of a house. Another unidentified person stands in the doorway.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn with a Young Woman, circa 1960
Date Created
1957/1963
Description
Robert E. Penn and a young woman stand in front of a house. Another unidentified person stands in the doorway.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Left to Right: James P. Brawley, Robert E. Penn, and an unidentified man and woman wear commencement caps & gowns.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn with Others, circa 1962
Date Created
1960/1965
Description
Left to Right: James P. Brawley, Robert E. Penn, and an unidentified man and woman wear commencement caps & gowns.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn (left) gathers with an unidentified group around a table covered with papers. Written on verso: "May 1972"
Robert E. Penn Collection
Robert E. Penn with Others, May 1, 1972
Date Created
1972-05-01
Description
Robert E. Penn (left) gathers with an unidentified group around a table covered with papers. Written on verso: "May 1972"
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Three boys stand next to a crouching baseball catcher.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Three Boys Stand Next to a Baseball Catcher, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Three boys stand next to a crouching baseball catcher.
Subject
African American athletes
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Three unidentified young women stand together and hold hands, possibly at a train station platform.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Three Unidentified Young Women, circa 1943
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Three unidentified young women stand together and hold hands, possibly at a train station platform.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified boy and girl sit on a couch with a floral pattern on the surface. The boy has his arm around the girl's shoulder.
Robert E. Penn Collection
An Unidentified Boy and Girl Sitting on a Couch, circa 1943
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
Unidentified boy and girl sit on a couch with a floral pattern on the surface. The boy has his arm around the girl's shoulder.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified boy and woman stand next to a Cadillac car.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified Boy and Woman Stand by a Cadillac, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified boy and woman stand next to a Cadillac car.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American families
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified boy and woman stand next to a Cadillac car.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified Boy and Woman Stand by a Cadillac, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified boy and woman stand next to a Cadillac car.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, African American families
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified boy chases an Irish Setter through a living room.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified Boy Chases Irish Setter, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified boy chases an Irish Setter through a living room.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified boy chases an Irish Setter through a living room past a young girl.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified Boy Chases Irish Setter, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified boy chases an Irish Setter through a living room past a young girl.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified holding a bag stands beneath a house on a hillside.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified Boy Holding a Bag, circa 1942
Date Created
1939/1945
Description
An unidentified holding a bag stands beneath a house on a hillside.
Subject
African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection
An unidentified boy crouches down to hug an Irish Setter.
Robert E. Penn Collection
Unidentified Boy Hugs an Irish Setter, circa 1972
Date Created
1969/1975
Description
An unidentified boy crouches down to hug an Irish Setter.
Subject
Pets, African Americans--Religion, Portraits and people, Children
Collection
Robert E. Penn Collection