Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley Retires from Providence Missionary; Touching Testimonials by Atlanta's Biggest Leaders

Note: The following article was written and submitted by Carrie L. Williams and Maynard Eaton of S.E. Region News.

Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley is a legendary “warrior/prophet” minister who, for more than a quarter of a century, has not only transcended his Christian faith and his Providence Missionary Baptist Church pulpit, but has embraced and encouraged an entire generation of Atlanta’s unique brand of civil and human rights-based leadership.

The nearly one thousand distinguished leaders and lay people spanning all faiths and spectrum's of civil society present at his recent retirement celebration on August 4, 2012 proved to be an outpouring of testimony, richly heralding that
extraordinary, almost indefinable leadership quality and energy that is so uniquely Gerald Durley’s .

“Gerald Durley is a pastor’s pastor,” defined Ambassador Andrew Young. “He is a pastor of this city, of our nation, and of our community.” Rev. Timothy McDonald, a close ally, seconded, “He’s the only one of his kind.”

Civil Rights icon and President of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian elaborated:

“Durley is one of the very few men we have in clergy that is both a professional psychologist and a well- trained minister.  His[Durley] commitment to what he does and has done goes as deep as his own life. . . He’s one that expands beyond his faith as well. He is a faith leader across a multiplicity of faiths. He goes for the highest standards of moral and spiritual understanding. . . He is a good fellow. ”

WSB-TV retired anchor Monica Pearson also pointed to Dr. Durley’s powerful combination of public servant and faith servant leadership as the epitome of faith leadership. “Rev. Durley is a public servant whose motivation is so strong for the people, he doesn’t mind blocking things when it becomes necessary, speaking out for civil and human rights, just like Jesus was doing, in the Bible.”

Atlanta’s City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, in his official presentation to Rev. Durley, shared what he witnessed Rev. Durley’s powerful leadership bringing to the City of Atlanta’s body politic:

“Rev. Durley was more involved in the City of Atlanta than any citizen of Atlanta will ever know. His strong voice was present in the room of meetings people never knew he was at. I have seen him foster the beginning of political careers,
revive others’ [careers] – and end some too! Rev. Durley is more than a powerful preacher in the black community. He is a civic leader. . . and unquestionably a prevailing power-broker.”

As President Mitchell presented Rev. Durley with a ceremonial Key of Community Service, he added “And we can’t really let you retire!” amidst a round of laughter and applause.

Others knowing Rev.Durley’s impact on a local to global scale concurred.

Rainbow PUSH Coalition Director of the Southeast Region Mr. Joe Beasley noted, regarding Durley’s international reputation, “He is a very exceptional man, and a natural leader, proven over the years.” Beasley himself a recognized
international leader, particularly in South America and Africa, insisted on putting Durley’s acumen at a higher level, humbly explaining, “I’m not like Rev. Durley. Just trying to do the best I can.”

Gerald Durley’s sentiments about the evening of celebration in his honor reflected a similar humility:

“What we’ve tried to do here in Atlanta is to create an environment where everybody can grow to their highest potential. When you create that kind of environment, where people feel comfortable in their own skin, we can all grow.

This is quite an honor, with all the dignitaries here, because all I saw myself as is a Southwest Atlanta preacher trying to do what God called me to do. I’m overwhelmed.

I’ve been called to create the kind of place where all of us can find who we are and who God called us to be, and break down the barriers between Jews , Muslims, Shiites, because we are all under one God.

This outpouring is so refreshing. It lets me know that God is not slack concerning his promises for those that remain faithful. This is evidence tonight.”

From Rev. Durley’s fellow Past Presidents of Concerned Black Clergy(all of whom were present) to his saddened yet grateful congregational members, over and over, the message was clearly unanimous: Reverend Dr. Gerald Durley has
made an indelible imprint on the hearts, minds, and souls of many, from Atlanta to Africa, and beyond.

Asking Rev. Durley’s wife Muriel to comment about what the journey has been like for her over the past 45 years with the “extra-ordinary” man that is her husband, pausing for a moment, she replied, “It’s been a surprising journey. When I met my husband, he told me he had no plans to become a pastor or a minister.” Smiling softly, she added, “Well, God had other plans, as you can see. It’s been an amazing journey. We are just doing what God wanted us to do. ”