Father Richard Tolliver (Finding Aid)

Father Richard Tolliver

1945 -

Favorite Color: Beige

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Someplace with a beach

Interview Length: 195 minutes

Interview Date(s): February 19, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver discusses his family background and recalls his childhood in Springfield, Ohio. Tolliver tells the story of his genealogical efforts, tracing one side of his family back to the 18th century. He discusses his mother's and father's backgrounds and describes his life living with his extended family. Tolliver shares some of his favorite pastimes and recreations from when he was a child. Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver details his schooling, from his elementary and high school days in Springfield, Ohio, up through his undergraduate study at Miami University of Ohio. Tolliver describes his academic interests and extracurricular activities during high school and explains why he chose to attend Miami University. He then discusses his experience with racism on campus and details his involvement in social activism to help combat racism and discrimination. Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver describes his path to becoming a member of the clergy, and explains his reasons for wanting to attend divinity school. Tolliver describes his time at the divinity schools of both Howard University and Harvard University, detailing the social and political events of the 1960s and discussing how they affected his time in divninty school. In particular, Tolliver focuses on the uprising in Washington, D.C. following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver recalls memorable encounters with one of his mentors and idols, Dr. Benjamin Mays, and shares some of the lessons Mays taught him. Tolliver discusses some of the theologians who influenced him, uncluding James Cone and Vincent Franklin. Tolliver then details the history of African American participation in the American Episcopalian church, explaining the rise in stature of black clergy in the 20th century. Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver explains the history of black leadership in the Episcopalian church and outlines the hierarchy of the Episcopalian clergy. Tolliver then enters a deep discussion about his time spent in Africa working for the Peace Corps. Tolliver presents a detailed cultural comparison of the two nations in which he worked, Kenya and Mauritania. Tolliver comments on what he describes as American culutral arrogance abroad, and then begins a discussion of a visit to Papua New Guinea. Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver details his role as Rector of St. Edmund's Episcopal Church in Chicago, explaining how he came to the job, and detailing the dire situation faced by the church and its surrounding neighborhood of Washington Park. Tolliver outlines the steps he took to revitalize the church and the community, including rebuilding housing in the area, revamping the parochial school, and overhauling the aesthetics of the church with Afrocentric stained glass windows. Tolliver reflects on the most satisfying aspects of his efforts, as well as addressing some of the inherent challenges. Episcopalian priest Richard Tolliver shares his personal religious philosophy and explains how he uses his own beliefs to shape his sermons and encourage both his parishoners and in the black church in general. Tolliver details his pluralist views and advocates the embracing of gays and lesbians in the church. Tolliver also considers his legacy and how he would like to be remembered.

41 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)