Legacies in Leadership: The Rev. Anderson Porter Story

Our second installment in our recently debuted “Legacies in Leadership” series, we are excited to share our recording of the conversation with the Rev. Anderson Porter by our Stated Clerk the Rev Kevin Porter and a Commentary by Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace. Rev. Anderson Porter’s journey as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament began in 1960 and continues to this day. We invite you to check out his rich story of life in ministry in the Presbyterian Church. May you find yourself as inspired as we were.

Anderson E. Porter has been involved in the Civil Rights battle since his ordination and first Pastorate at the Second Presbyterian Church in West Chester, Pa. in 1960. As early as 1963, three years later, he was selected to be in charge of The Chester County & March on Washington. He was in charge of a dozen busloads plus other transportation sources and his group enjoyed front-row seats and heard Dr. King give his “I Have A Dream” speech to over 200, 000 in attendance.

He later represented the NAACP in the Chicago celebration. Rev. Porter played a vital role in the changes in race relations during the sixties, especially after the 64 and 65 passages of Bills that outlawed segregation and discrimination. This Philadelphia Presbytery witnessed Porter’s presence in the passing of various bills that brought equal rights and greater opportunities.

Before the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Rev. Porter became vice Moderator of Donegal Presbytery and served as Director of Youth Summer camp in 1964 and 1965. He has always been in demand by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and various organizations as a gifted, popular speaker and preacher.

May God continue to bless us with a courage and conviction to learn from our past as we seek to live into the hope of our tomorrow.

A Video Introduction by Rev. Brenton Thompson

A Commentary by Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace