Father Kirk Brown was forever changed by a service at the Washington National Cathedral on March 31, 1968.
He was only 14 years old at the time. And little did Father Brown know that he had just heard the final Sunday sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Memories of that day were often shared by Father Brown in his 24 years as Chaplain at Christ School. Greenies continue to be active in MLK Day events around Asheville and practice Dr. King's principles year-round, especially through the Service Learning program.
Things came full circle for Father Brown on Sunday as he received an MLK Community Service Award during the 41st annual MLK Commemorative Candlelight Service at Trinity Episcopal Church. The candlelight service is sponsored each year by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County.
Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins, Director of Advancement Betsy Ellis P'24, and Director of Service Learning Olga Mahoney P'20 were among the members of the Christ School community who showed their support for Father Brown on Sunday. He wore his Christ School tie for the occasion.
Father Brown retired in 2019, the same year that Christ School dedicated a new Outdoor Chapel in his honor. He was also Chaplain in 2006 when there was an extensive renovation of St. Joseph’s Chapel. Many alumni have returned to that venerable space to have Father Brown preside over their weddings. He and former Headmaster Paul Krieger started the Senior Speech series in 2003.