Lyke House

Spiritual, Academic, and Faith development for the Atlanta University Center.

Dedication of the New Lyke House

With the support of a number of generous volunteers from the local community, Fr. Branch worked diligently to position the Lyke House Catholic Center for service in the year 2000 and beyond. In particular, the dedication and volunteer time of the members of the Building Design Committee opened new doors of opportunity for the Catholic center. The unrequited commitment of Mr. Alan Pinado and the help of Mr. LaDarrion Steinback, who gathered parcels of land for the new site, had been and will always be invaluable.

A special note in the history of the Lyke House Catholic Center at the AUC: due to the willingness of Ms. Elain Jordan Kirby Terrel to sell her family home at 809 Beckwith Street, the construction of the new facility was made possible. It is also noteworthy to mention that this house was built by her parents, Mr. Shepherd Jordan, Jr., and Mrs. Louise Connally Jordan.

The new Lyke House Catholic Center was named after the beloved Archbishop James Patterson Lyke of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Serving in many capacities, including auxiliary bishop, apostolic administrator, vicar, pastor, teacher, and Newman Organization director, Archbishop Lyke was dedicated to the Catholic liturgy, and to bringing to fruition this same liturgy among the Catholic students of the AUC. Archbishop Lyke, who served as the fourth archbishop of the archdiocese of Atlanta, and was at one time the highest-ranking black bishop in the U.S. Catholic Church, played a major part in the development of a Catholic center in the AUC, and if not for his efforts and the efforts of his predecessor, Archbishop Eugene A. Marino, there would be no Lyke House today. Archbishop Lyke passed away on December 27th, 1992, but the students and the faculty of the Lyke House will forever reflect his legacy and the warmth of his spirit.

STAFF

Father Urey Patrick Mark

Chaplain/Director of Lyke House

The Catholic Center at AUC

Fr. Urey Patrick Mark was ordained to the Priesthood on May 26, 2007 in Techny IL. He had his theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He received a Master of Divinity degree with emphasis on World Mission and a Masters of Arts in Theology degree with Church History as his major and Systemic Theology as minor. Fr. Urey comes with gifts and spirituality of pastoral experience, Cross-Cultural Ministry, Stewardship and Development, young adult faith formation, administration, public speaking, leadership and devotion to the Eucharist.

Dr. Kevin Phillip Johnson

Director of Liturgy and Worship

Dr. Kevin Johnson, associate professor and chair of music at Spelman College, is a musician, a composer, and an active clinician. The director of the Spelman Glee Club has traveled through the United States, providing choral workshops and retreats for music educators and churches. In his professional career as a thriving musician, Dr. Kevin Johnson served as the minister of music at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Atlanta for seventeen years. He is also one of the most highly demanded and prominent musicians in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Catholic Archdiocese nationwide.

BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, AND MARRIAGE PREPARATION

The Chaplain at Lyke House is available for those wishing to be baptized and/or confirmed in the Roman Catholic Christian tradition. Couples seeking to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Matrimony can also inquire about the marriage preparation services offered by the Chaplain.

For more information on Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage Preparation, please contact Fr. Urey Mark by visiting our Staff page to email him directly.