The Rev. Colin Brown will serve as head chaplain at the private school Lovett Head of School Meredyth Cole said in an announcement.
Cole said that she was “excited to share hiring news regarding our campus chaplain team.”
“One of the primary reasons I was drawn to Lovett, as Head of School, was our faith identity that inspires our commitment to the spiritual lives of children,” Cole said in announcing the new hires.
Brown comes to Lovett from St. Martin’s in the Fields after four years as associate rector. Brown was selected as a 2024 Trinity Leadership Fellow, one of 24 people selected from more than 1,700 applicants. The two-year nonresidential program is operated by Trinity Church Wall Street, an Episcopal church in New York City.
Brown said he brings “a sense of curiosity’ to his new position.
“Curiosity about the hopes and dreams and concerns of the people who make up the community, curiosity about all of the unique and diverse ways that people experience and relate to God, and curiosity about who and how God is calling us to be at this time, in this place.”
“I truly believe that good ministry is rooted in good relationships, and I am looking forward to getting to know and learning from everyone at Lovett,” Brown said.
Brown assumes the role of Reverend Steve Allen who transitioned this year into the role of Chaplain Emeritus. In this position, Allen will provide pastoral support and care to Lovett alumni and oversee a global travel initiative that serves as an enrichment program for the Lovett adult community, Cole said.
“The faith leaders at Lovett play an important role for all who call our campus home. I am thrilled that we are now positioned with a team of four (clergy) to support Lovett through the unique structure of pastoral care.”
Lovett was founded in 1926 by Mrs. Eva Edwards Lovett – an innovative educator who emphasized whole-child development, education through doing, and joyful learning.
The school became part of The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta in 1954 when Lovett retired and the school merged with the Cathedral of St. Philip and transferred its property to the control of the Cathedral.
The Diocese of Atlanta severed ties with The Lovett School on July 1, 1963, over Lovett’s segregation policies according to a statement issued by Bishop of Atlanta Randolph R. Claiborne.
Since then, The Lovett School, an independent, coeducational day school for children from Kindergarten through 12th Grade, has opened enrollment to students of all races, ethnicities, and religions.
Cole said inclusivity is core to the beliefs of today’s Lovett School.
“Lovett, today, is fully committed to inclusivity and recognizing the dignity of all. Like all institutions, we continue to gain insight and learn from the impact of our past,” she said.
“As we look to the future, I am excited for Lovett to renew its commitment to its Episcopal tradition, rooted in the belief that we are all created in the image of a loving God.”
