Call Number:

04

Repository:

African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1975-2001 (inclusive)

Creator:

Townsend, James T., 1915-2000

Abstract:

James T. Townsend (1915-2000), formerly a state welfare supervisor and veteran of the United States Navy, was organist and choirmaster at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for more than fifty years. Named in his honor, the James T. Townsend Vocal Scholarship Award is given annually by the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Music Committee to an African American student under age 25 who is pursuing studies and training in voice at an accredited college or university, or with a master teacher affiliated with an accredited school of music. Most of the James T. Townsend papers of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 1975-2001, are applications for the Townsend scholarship. Additionally, the collection includes church and vestry records, church history research, clippings, correspondence, and photographs. Of special interest are illustrations of church vestments and a rectory drawn in 1941 by Dorothy Young (James Townsend's future wife).

James T. Townsend (1915-2000), formerly a state welfare supervisor and veteran of the United States Navy, was organist and choirmaster at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for more than fifty years.

"J. T." Townsend was one of six children born in Philadelphia, PA to funeral director Fletcher H. Townsend. He began taking music lessons as a child and played in the band and orchestra while attending Germantown High School. During World War II, Townsend served in the United States Navy. Afterwards, he attended the Philadelphia Music Academy and began working as a caseworker for the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare. Townsend retired in 1976, having achieved the position of Supervisor of the Girard District of the welfare department.

Townsend joined St. Thomas' church choir in his mid-teens and was directing it by 19 years of age. He started a boys' choir that was well-known among out-of-town churches, who often invited the choir to sing. He was organ master and choirmaster for 57 years and served as president of the church's Music Committee. His contributions were recognized in a scholarship that was named in his honor in 1974. "The [James T. Townsend Vocal Scholarship Award] is awarded annually to an African American student under age 25 who is pursuing studies and training in voice at an accredited college or university, or with a master teacher affiliated with an accredited school of music. Applicants must be in good academic standing. The winner of the vocal auditions, held at the Church in May of each year, is awarded two thousand dollars."

Townsend was active in the Pomona-Cherokee Civic Council, the Germantown Old-Timers, the Pro-Arts Society, the Episcopal Church Club, the Pennsylvania Retired State Employees, and Tuscan Morning Star Lodge 48, Free and Accepted Masons.

Townsend met his wife, Dorothy E. Young, at St. Thomas. They married in 1948 and had one daughter together. Townsend passed away in 2000, ten years after Dorothy.

Bibliography:

Obituary for James T. Townsend. August 11, 2000. Accessed July 3, 2014. http://articles.philly.com/2000-08-11/news/25592928_1_biscuits-choir-loft-computer

Quoted text from: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. "The Music Committee." Accessed July 3, 2014. http://www.aecst.org/music_comm.htm.

The bulk of this collection is applications for the James T. Townsend Vocal Scholarship Award, given annually by the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Music Committee to an African American student under age 25 who is pursuing studies and training in voice at an accredited college or university, or with a master teacher affiliated with an accredited school of music. Additionally, the collection includes church and vestry records, such as financial reports, annual reports, and grant applications; clippings, correspondence, and research on the history of St. Thomas and the people associated with it; and photographs. Of special interest are illustrations of church vestments and a rectory drawn in 1941 by Dorothy Young (James Townsend's future wife). The collection also includes a pew rope.