James Patterson Lyke

[2] The family lived in a flat with no beds and a coal stove, before moving to Wentworth Gardens, a housing project.

[2] Deciding to become a priest, James Lyke joined the Franciscan order in 1959, studying at the St. Francis Novitiate in Teutopolis, Illinois.

Lyke was ordained a priest at St. Francis Church in Teutopolis on June 24, 1966, by Bishop William O’Connor.

[6] While serving as auxiliary bishop, Lyke coordinated the group that produced Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal in 1987.

[7] After the resignation of Archbishop Eugene Marino due to scandal, the college of consultors for the archdiocese appointed Lyke as apostolic administrator of Atlanta on July 10, 1990.