About Us

The Purpose By:

Visionary and Creator Fr. Urey Mark

This Digital Library hopes to capture the imagination of collegians, young people, and all who enter the Lyke House both in person or virtually on the digital platform. The Lyke House Digital Library hopes to create an environment where Faith, Art, and Culture engages the intellect, the heart, and soul and who encounter this resource center for the Black Catholic Experience in the digital age.

It hopes to inspire missionary discipleship and an ordinary opportunity to encounter Christ at the heart of the Archbishop James P. Lyke Gallery-Museum in the Lyke House. The Digital Library hopes to elevate the digitization of the Archbishop James P. Lyke Gallery-Museum of Faith, Art, and Culture at the Lyke House. This gallery-museum tells the sacred story of Black Catholics in the USA for teaching and the transmission of the Catholic faith and culture, by providing a living history and educational foundation to this generation and beyond.

It highlights the beauty of Faith, Art, and Culture, the history of Black Catholics contributions to U.S. Catholicism and the Universal Church. The museum’s gallery also tells the story of the Universal Church’s solidarity with Blacks in America through Papal appointments of African American Bishops to the hierarchy of the U. S. Catholic Church and the journey of African American candidates to Sainthood in the Catholic Church.

It will also aid the formation of Lyke House students in ministry, the Newman Scholars and Bowman Scholars. It will provide some online text books for collegians to have free access and cut down cost on their education.

It will be a resource epicenter where students from diverse background and other online guests can do research on the History of Black Catholic Parishes and Organizations, Saints and those in the Process of Canonization, Liturgical Music Resource and have access to the Digital Art Gallery and Black Catholic Music History Archives.

By focusing on the achievements of African American Catholics, people can see first-hand the greatness of the Catholic Church as it inspires the vocations of African Americans in the modern U.S. Catholicism, like Bishop Harold Perry, Archbishop James P. Lyke, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Sister Thea Bowman, Father Augustus Tolton etc. Some of these Catholic leaders were not born Catholic but because of their Catholic education they were converted to Catholicism early in life and became great leaders in church and society.

Visitors to this digital library can observe in photos and narrative the successes of a group of Catholics who are not too well known by too many other Catholics and definitely not known by non-Catholics.

This digital library provides an opportunity for change in mentality and mindset of all who will encounter this sacred space, especially those who do not know the many accomplishments of African American Catholics to U.S. Catholicism and the Universal Church. It showcases Papal solidarity with African Americans and Black Catholics. May God bring to fulfillment the great work He has began in our humble ministry through this digital library.

Archbishop James Patterson Lyke

Archbishop James Patterson Lyke, a figure of profound spiritual depth and inspiring leadership, left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the communities he served. His life story is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of compassion in addressing societal challenges.

Born on February 18, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, James Lyke was raised in a nurturing environment that would later shape his spiritual and humanitarian pursuits. He was brought up in a devout Catholic family, a foundation that played a pivotal role in his early inclination towards the church and its teachings.

Lyke’s academic journey was marked by excellence and a deepening commitment to his faith. He joined the Franciscan order in 1959, studying at St. Francis Novitiate in Teutopolis, Illinois. He received a Master of Divinity from St. Joseph Theological Seminary in Teutopolis. His ordination as a priest in 1966 marked the beginning of a remarkable journey in service to God and humanity.

After ordination, he taught at Padua High School in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1968, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, he requested to be assigned to Memphis, where he pastored St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Father Lyke’s early ministry was characterized by a strong commitment to education and youth empowerment. He became known for his dynamic preaching and deep empathy for the marginalized. His ability to connect with people across different backgrounds made him a beloved figure in the communities he served.

In 1979, Father Lyke’s exemplary service led to his appointment as the Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland, Ohio. This role expanded his influence and allowed him to implement programs aimed at social justice, racial reconciliation, and community development. His leadership style was inclusive and empowering, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Archbishop Lyke’s most notable achievement came in 1991, when he was appointed the Archbishop of Atlanta. His tenure in Atlanta was marked by significant growth in the archdiocese, both in terms of infrastructure and spiritual development. He was instrumental in establishing new parishes, schools, and outreach programs, particularly focusing on the needs of the African-American Catholic community.

Throughout his life, Archbishop Lyke was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. He worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between different racial and ethnic groups within the Church and the wider society. His efforts in promoting understanding and mutual respect made him a respected figure beyond the confines of the Catholic Church.

Tragically, Archbishop Lyke’s life was cut short by illness. He passed away on December 27, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, relentless advocacy for the underprivileged, and a deep commitment to building a more inclusive church and society.

Today, the life and work of Archbishop James Patterson Lyke continue to inspire many. His dedication to serving God and humanity, his passion for social justice, and his unyielding commitment to fostering unity and understanding stand as a beacon of hope and guidance for future generations.

About Us

The Purpose By:

Visionary and Creator Fr. Urey Mark

Archbishop James Patterson Lyke

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