Last year, the seminary honored the legacy of Rev. Dr. Gene Alston, the first African American graduate of ATS, with a chapel series. This marks the second year of what has become a wonderful tradition. We would love to invite you to check out these chapel recordings at https://alumni.asburyseminary.edu/students/chapel/archive/.
Dr. Gene R. Alston was the first African American graduate from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1961 (M.Div.) Born in Washington, D.C., Dr. Alston came to faith at 10 years old and became active in the Free Methodist Church. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Greenville College in 1958 and came to Asbury Theological Seminary as one of the first African American students in our institution.
After graduating from seminary he moved to Shreveport, LA, to minister, becoming very involved in the civil rights movement. Later, he became a school administrator after earning a Master of Science degree at Southern Illinois University in 1974. He then relocated to St. Louis and earned his Doctor of Philosophy at St. Louis University in 1983. He faithfully served as a school administrator in St. Louis for 28 years. Afterward, Dr. Alston remained committed to racial reconciliation in the church and held the Free Methodists around him to the mission statement, “all people everywhere.” He was a true example of excellence in our midst, and his legacy should never be forgotten in our community.