VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 03/26/08) - Rev. Dr. David T. Shannon died Saturday, March 22 in Atlanta, Ga. after a period of declining health. He was 74. Perhaps best known as the first African American president of Andover Newton Theological School, Shannon was an American Baptist pastor, educator, representative and author.
Building bridges was a cornerstone of Shannon's life and ministry. He led an international Baptist task force on dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church and won numerous awards for his work in furthering dialogue between African American and Jewish communities in Atlanta.
Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, executive director of National Ministries, remembers Shannon as a brilliant biblical scholar, an engaged public theologian and an exemplary educational leader: "American Baptists were blessed by his remarkable ability to relate the great themes of faith, hope and love to personal and public life. We thank God for the giftedness and gift of David Shannon's life and for our privilege of being touched by it."
A graduate of American Baptist related Virginia Union University, where he went on to later serve as president in 1979, Shannon received his D.Min. from Vanderbilt University and his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Shannon served pastorates in Fair Oaks and Richmond, Va. He also held positions with the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches and the Baptist World Alliance. In addition to his other positions in academia, Shannon also served as the dean of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the dean of faculty for the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga., and the president of Allen University in Columbia, S.C.
A former American Baptist Board Member, Shannon also served the denomination as the eastern director for Christian Higher Education Services for the American Baptist Board of Education and Publication in 1968-69. That Board's ministries are now carried on by National Ministries, ABCUSA. As an author, Shannon penned several books including The Old Testament Experience of Faith through Judson Press.
Shannon is survived by his wife, Averett Powell Shannon, their children, Vernitia Shannon, Dr. Davine Sparks and David Thomas Shannon Jr., and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, 437 Mitchell St. SW, Atlanta on Friday, March 28 at 11 a.m.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/