Audio Included in Post. Runs 47 Minutes ©2011 WTLC/Radio One. Rev. Landrum Shields, Pastor, Civic and Civil Rights Leader, builder of bridges between communities, died Monday at the age of 84. A group of community leaders appeared on Afternoons with Amos to discuss the significance of Rev. Shields’ ministry, life and community contributions. Hear the interview above with Amos and Bishop Tom Benjamin (Light of the World Church), Joe Slash (Urban League), Murvin Enders (100 Black Men), Eric Gillespie (Covenant Community Church), Dale DePoy & Angela Dabney (United Way), Dr. Mary Busch (IPS School Board). Below is a summary of Rev. Landrum Shields’ life and accomplishments.
A native of Winston Salem North Carolina, Landrum Shields grew up in New York City where he graduated high school. He graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and the Howard University School of Religion and did doctorate work at Indiana University.
He began his calling as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the First Congregational Church. Then was a Student Chaplain at Howard University. He was called to the ministry in Indianapolis to Witherspoon Presbyterian Church were he served a Senior Pastor for many years before forming Covenant Community Church in 1994.
Besides serving as Shepherd to his parishioners, Rev. Shields ministered to others as a longtime Chaplain, the Chaplain Emeritus of the Indianapolis Police Department and as a Chaplain for the Indianapolis Airport Authority.
Rev. Landrum Shields was active in many, many civic organizations and activities. At the time of his Death, Rev. Shields was a member of the Boards of United Way, Flanner House, American Red Cross, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Church World Service, Indiana Film Commission.
From 1968-1972, he was an elected member of the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners (IPS), where he served as Vice-President and then Board. The first African-American ever to hold that position.
Rev. Shields was Founding President of the Indianapolis Chapter of 100 Black men and Founding President of National Association of Head Start Alumni Chapters.
Among the other organizations which benefitted from the wisdom and guidance of Rev. Landrum Shields: Little Red Door, Indiana Convention & Visitors Association, Alpha Home, Christian Theological Seminary, National Head Start Association, National Council of Churches of Christ USA, Indianapolis NAACP, Children’s Museum, Marion County Tax Adjustment Board, UNICEF Indianapolis, Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Social Health Association, National Council of Christians and Jews, Community Action Against Poverty, Marion County Association for Retarded Citizens,
He was the recipient of numerous honors and recognitions including: Sagamore of the Wabash, Christian Theological Seminary’s Distinguished Alumni Award, Greyhound’s Father of the Year, Ambassador for Peace Award.
A world traveler, Rev. Shields visited numerous countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Holy Land.
Rev. Shields was preceded in death by his devoted wife Marjorie. He is survived by four children – Landrum Jr., Sharyn, Laurita and Andrea and four grandchildren.
