Alison Cheek papers, circa 1927-- 2019

Creator:
Cheek, Alison M.
Abstract:
This collection contains professional and personal materials of Reverend Alison Cheek (1927 - 2019), an Australian-born American religious leader. One of the first women ordained into the Episcopal priesthood on July 29, 1974 beside ten other women, Cheek and her collaborators became known as The Philadelphia Eleven. Materials contained in this collection detail women's roles in the priesthood during Cheek's lifetime and document Cheek's involvement in feminist and liberation theology.
Extent:
11 linear feet 10 record cartons, 1 oversized box
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Correspondence and personal documents contain letters (including between Carter Heyward and Gale Yee), diaries, photos, awards and honorifics, degrees (including D.Min and M.Div), paintings, birthday invitations, and other memoirs and reminiscences. Writing materials including sermons, addresses, essays, reflections, collaborative statements, student materials, and; teaching materials from Cheek's tenure at Episocopal Divinity School (such as syllabi on Feminist Liberation Theology courses Cheek designed, hermeneutical models; and course evaluations). Newspaper clippings and publications on Cheek's ordination span across several decades. Materials from Cheek's religious outreach include planning records, sermons, and newsletters from Greenfire and the Well Woman Project. Audio visual materials include audiotapes and VHS recordings of Cheek's sermons and interviews.

Biographical / historical:

Alison Cheek (born Alison Mary Western) was a feminist theologian, priest, and professor at Episcopal Divinity School. Born in Adelaide, Australia in 1927, Cheek completed her undergraduate degree in Australia before enrolling in Virginia Theological Seminary as one of the first two women admitted into the Masters of Divinity program in 1963. Cheek then sought ordination into the priesthood when she reported receiving instructions from God telling her, "I want you to be my priest." Subsequently, Cheek was one of the first 11 women to be ordained into the Episocapal priesthood in 1974 beside a group of women who came to be known as the Philadelphia Eleven. Cheek's dedication to feminist theology presided over her religious service and academic scholarship, as she designed Feminist Liberation Theology courses with foundational roots in Black Liberation Theology. Cheek spent her lifetime as an educator and religious mentor, both within academia, and through external learning centers she co-designed, including The Well Woman Project and Greenfire.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research. Restricted materials have been deaccessioned.

Location of this collection:
Burke Home Page
Before you visit:
Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
Contact:
burke@library.columbia.edu