M. Moran Weston facts for kids

Milton Moran Weston II (born September 10, 1910 – died May 18, 2002), also known as M. Moran Weston, was an African-American Episcopal priest. He was famous for leading a major church in Harlem, helping to start the biggest black-owned bank in the country, and building homes for many people.

In 1969, Weston explained his varied career by saying, "A banker-priest is really no more strange than an educator-priest or a social worker priest." He once said that his gift was to "encourage people that they can do the impossible." He also believed in doing what was right, even if it was unpopular. For example, he did not support a school boycott because he felt it would not help the children.

Fifteen years after he became the leader of St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Manhattan, he was called "one of the nation's busiest men." He was involved in many projects related to education, money, housing, health, and helping young people and seniors. Later, when Knickerbocker Hospital closed, it was turned into housing for seniors and named after him.

Early Life and Education

Milton Weston was born in Tarboro, North Carolina. Both his father and grandfather were Episcopal ministers. He moved to New York in 1928 as a teenager to continue his college studies. He had started his education at St. Augustine's Junior College in Raleigh, N.C..

Weston earned a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in history from Columbia University. At that time, he was one of only five black students in the undergraduate program. He then studied to become a clergyman. He received his bachelor and master of divinity degrees from Union Theological Seminary in 1934. He officially became a priest in 1950, following his family's tradition.

Starting Carver Bank

Weston had already gained experience in 1945 by helping to start a credit union for his church. Later, he and 14 other people tried to get permission to open a bank. They were first turned down by the state, but then they applied for a federal permission. This led to the creation of Carver Bank. It started in a simple storefront and grew into a very successful bank.

Working for Civil Rights

Before he became a priest in 1950, Weston was very active in helping with labor and social issues. He joined the National Negro Congress as a field secretary. He helped organize events in New York City to support civil rights. He also worked hard to find jobs and housing for people in the local community.

Before he was ordained as a deacon, he worked for New York City's Department of Social Welfare. He started as a caseworker and later became a supervisor.

Building Homes and Centers

Even after he officially retired, Weston continued to work for more than ten years. He helped create some of the many buildings that exist because of his efforts. Decades earlier, he had managed the construction of five housing developments in Harlem that were not for profit. The first building was 14 stories tall, and the second was 16 stories. Many of these homes were designed for senior citizens.

His building projects were not just about housing. Another important project he helped create was the Upper Manhattan Child Development/Day Care Center.

Community Leadership

In 1965, Weston encouraged people to support a civilian police review board. He also asked them to oppose individual water meters for homes.

In 1969, he made history by being elected as the first African American trustee of Columbia University. After his election, another African American, Franklin A. Thomas, was also appointed to the board.

Weston also enjoyed scholarly work. He wrote as a columnist for the New York Amsterdam News. He was also a professor at the State University of New York at Albany from 1968 to 1977.

Family Life

Milton Weston married Miriam Yvonne Drake in 1946. They had a daughter named Katherine, who became a nun in the Greek Orthodox Church, and a son named Gregory. He also had two grandchildren. Weston passed away at the age of 91 in his home in Heathrow, Seminole County, Florida. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine.