17 November 1968 & james porter offers adult class on african background in art @universalist national memorial church

#OTD 17 November 1968 James A. Porter taught an adult class titled, “African Background in Afro-American Art,” at the Universalist National Memorial Church (16th & S Sts NW). The class was held at 10am.

Rev. Seth R. Brooks, D.D. was the minister. Pastor Brooks’ sermon was titled, “The Consolation of Religious Limitations.” Both worship service and church school were at 11am.

Porter was head of the Art Department at Howard University and the university’s art gallery. In January 1965, he had a solo exhibition in the art gallery. A number of the oil paintings had been completed during his trip to Nigeria in 1964. The trip apparently was funded, at least in part, by an Evening Star faculty research grant.

On 27 October 1968, Porter spoke on white artist Jan Van Eyck’s painting “The Annunciation” on the occasion of a U.S. stamp issued featuring Archangel Gabriel from the painting. His talk was held in the National Gallery of Art auditorium.

Your comments are welcome below. Did you, family members or neighbors attend Porter’s class? What do you remember about it? Do you have photographs or a program? Were you a member of the Universalist National Memorial Church? Were these types of classes common? What do you remember about Pastor Brooks? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: DC Public Library Special Collections, Evening Star Photo Collection, Oates was the photographer. 21 January 1965.

Ad for Universalist National Memorial Church,” Evening Star 16 November 1968.
”Christmas Stamp First Day at National Gallery Friday,” Evening Star 27 November 1968.
Warren Hoge, “Africa: A Vivid Continent,” Evening Star 22 January 1965.
James a. Porter biography, The Black Renaissance in Washington, DC