 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Kingsley House Established 1896 A beacon of hope for New Orleans families for 110 years |
 |
| Cooking class at Kingsley House, ca. 1900 |
| I first heard about Kingsley House when I was a child. Several members of the church we attended, Napoleon Avenue Methodist, helped support the mission of Kingsley House. But, by far, the most active were my mom's good friends, Ernest and Velma Arnold. In those days, the Arnolds owned the Tennessee Furniture Store and, on many occasions, after visiting and noticing a need, it wouldn't be long before the Tennessee Store's old truck would make its way to Kingsley House carrying a gift from the Arnolds. I, also, recall that they were always quick to suggest Kingsley House as a possible recipient of church funds set aside for mission work. They were both devoted to the work done there, especially concerning children. They continued their association with Kingsley House for many years, until advancing age and ill health caused them to go back to their native state of Tennessee to be near relatives. It's an over-used phrase, but they really were tireless advocates, something that was especially important, I believe, during the challenging times of the 1960's, when the issue of integration sometimes created a rift in relationships between organizations and supporters. We sometimes forget that there are unheralded heroes from that era--people who sought to heal the divisions in the city--and I'm certain some of those were associated with Kingsley House. I know there were heroes from Napoleon Avenue Church, chief among them Rev. Don Alverson, who advocated gently, but firmly, for the causes of charity, brotherhood and tolerance, in a sometimes intolerant atmosphere. The Arnolds can be counted in that number, too, in their work for the church and for Kingsley House. I was too young to appreciate the efforts of the Arnolds, Alversons and others at the time, but looking back, I see that they were among the quiet healers of the community during those days. Their names may not be well-remembered, because they didn't seek to promote themselves, but only to promote good will among all of the people of the city, and to live, rather than to just preach, their faith. This page is dedicated to the people who have worked at Kingsley House throughout its long history...and to all of the people who have worked for the good of the city's heart and soul: its people. Nancy Brister |
| The idea for Kingsley House began with the pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, Dr. Beverly Warner and came into being in 1896 through his efforts and the efforts of the Episcopalian Diocese. When Eleanor McMain, one of the guiding lights of Kingsley House in its formative years, came aboard, she pushed for it to become a non-sectarian organization with an ecumenical board. In 1900, Kingsley House moved from its first building on Tchoupitoulas Street to quarters on Annunciation Street. (The photos on this page are from 1900, and I believe there are images representing both locations, but, unfortunately, I don't know which are which.) In 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Williams donated 3 acres of land at Constance and Richard Streets in the Lower Garden District, along with buildings and $300,000 toward construction costs to Kingsley House. Over the years, there have been many additions and renovations and today, its campus is a peaceful and inviting sanctuary in the heart of the city. From Kingsley House's website: "Our approach during the revitalization of the Greater New Orleans Area is much like our approach has always been: person centered, community based and mission focused." Although Katrina caused $3.5 million dollars in damage to its facilities, Kingsley House re-opened a month and a half later and, since then, thousands of people from many S.E. Louisiana parishes have participated in its programs. One hundred ten years after its founding, Kingsley House continues to serve the community -- far beyond the dreams of Rev. Warner, Eleanor McMain and other settlement house pioneers of their day. Kingsley House stands as a tribute to its staff members, volunteers and to the people of New Orleans for their faithful support. |
| Did you know... ...that NORD is a descendant of the early sports programs that Kingsley House pioneered? ...that the Lighthouse for the Blind evolved from Kingsley House? ...that Tulane's School of Social Work had its beginnings in Kingsley House's programs? ...that Kingsley House helped wipe out yellow fever by spearheading efforts to screen windows/cisterns? ...that Kingsley House helped pass a child labor law? Read this fascinating history of Kingsley House and you're likely to learn more things about Kingsley House and the city's history that you didn't know before: History of Kingsley House by Carolyn G. Kolb Kingsley House's website The History of Napoleon Avenue Methodist Church, with photos Elegy for an Only Son Shot Dead Far From Home: The Arnolds of Napoleon Ave. Methodist Church Back to Old New Orleans The Past Whispers - Home |
 |
| ~ ~ ~ |