Rev. Marilyn Awtry

Rev. Marilyn Awtry has appeared in Who's Who of American Women in 1983 and in Who's Who of Women of the World in 1984?

Who is this lady who has rightfully gained the title of the "Encyclopedia of Spiritualism of the 20th Century." Marilyn Joan Jackson was born the daughter of the Rev. William A. and Bertha E. Jackson on February 11th in Amityville, L.I., New York.

EDUCATION
Copiague Grammar School, Amityville High school for her first year; Grover Cleveland High School in Ridge-wood, Queens, New York; N.Y. Institute of Applied Arts & Sciences in Brooklyn, New York -Dental Hygiene; and University of Virginia. The major part of her business career was that of a Research and Development Contracting Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard.

MARRIAGE
On April 27, 1952, -- Jack Awtry of Bessemer, Alabama. Two daughters resulted from this marriage. From April 1984 until 1998 -- Henry D. Smith of Baxley, Georgia.

LIFE IN SPIRITUALISM
In this arena, she studied the General and Advanced courses of Spiritualism through the Morris Pratt Institute. To perfect her mediumship, she sat with the renowned Robert Bos and B. Anne Gehman. In 1966, Marilyn officially began her career in Spiritualism by giving her first public address on “The Spiritualist Philosophy of Creation” at the Auditorium in Cassadaga, Florida. On June 2, 1971, she received her National Spiritualist Teacher’s Degree; June 3, 1973, she was ordained in the Auditorium, Cassadaga, (now named the Colby Temple) Florida, with the Reverend Harrison Engle officiating; December 22, 1975, she was certified as a mental medium. Since that first engagement, Marilyn has served many organizations across the United States, as well as in Canada. She has been regularly engaged by Spiritualist Camps and State Associations as the featured speaker and medium. As a columnist, she has routinely submitted articles to various secular and spiritual magazines. In 1978, she served as Contributing Editor on the staff of "The National Spiritualist – Summit of Understanding". In 2007, she became a U.S.A. Correspondent for the "Psychic World", Green-ford, Middlesex, England.

In 1976, she and the late Rev. Margaret L. King founded the Church of the Spirit, Washington, D.C. Marilyn served as the Pastor from 1977-1980. In 1979, she became a member of the Morris Pratt Institute of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Marilyn and Paula Vogt were commissioned by the M.P.I. to co-author The New Educational Course on Modern Spiritualism. It took three years of researching, writing and editing to produce the original course; now required in order to be certified or ordained by The National Spiritualist Association of Churches. {Disclaimer: The course has been revised by others of MPI)

In 1983, the delegates of the 91st Annual Convention of the NSAC elected her as a Trustee on the Board of Directors to fill the one-year term vacated by the Rev. Evelyn Muse. In 1984, the delegates of the 92nd Annual Convention re-elected her for a full three year term. Although nominated again in 1987, she declined the nomination. She then co-founded the Harmonial Philosophy Association. It is now based in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Marilyn has also served as a member on the Board of the Florida State Association of Spiritualist Ministers. Her many years of dedicated service is no secret.

Marilyn donated untold hours in the NSAC Office in Cassadaga, Florida, as well as in the Library, sorting books and records which had been packed up for several years at the National General Office. The library was divided and alphabetically filed in two rooms. The room on the porch had been identified by her as the beginning of a Spiritualist Museum. A framed purple velvet background was adorned by a badge from each Annual Convention from 1893 forward. The Andrew Jackson Davis memorabilia collection had been placed carefully in the drawers of an antique cabinet, along with other such items as stamps, slate writings, etc. Many boxes of records have been appropriately filed, sealed and labeled for storage. Many framed pictures have been gathered and stored and a wealth of our history in pictures has been placed in leatherette bound albums. In 2008, she experienced deja vu by once again organizing and/or modifying the NSAC Library in Lily Dale, New York, as well as beginning the "Archive Project". Unfortunately in 2009, it was put on hold by the NSAC president.

In 1982, Marilyn authored and published "Brighten Your Way – A Guide for Daily Living the Positive Way." This booklet was the first daily meditation guide written by a Spiritualist for Spiritualists. Her seed-thought booklet entitled, "You and a Way," opened the door to many a seeker of truth. The Science and Philosophy of Spiritualism is engraved deeply in her heart and expressed vibrantly in her public work.

Her interest in providing the best reading material was instrumental in her opening her first mail order book store in 1979, named The Rose Garden Book Nook. She continued it after moving to Cassadaga, Florida. However, it was discontinued when she and her husband opened a local book store and gift shop in the Cassadaga Hotel. As a resident of the Camp in Florida, she authored and published a magazine entitled, "The Cassadagan." Although the magazine was a doorway to philosophy, its main objective was to present news and tidibts for the community. This section was entitled “Around and About Cassadaga”.

Marilyn has held Membership in the Association for Research and Enlightenment, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Parapsychology Foundation, White Eagle Lodge, Center of Spiritual Enlightenment, The Harmonial Philosophy Association, Family Services of Habitat for Humanity, the Florida State Association of Spiritualist Ministers, International Healers, The Lily Dale Assembly, Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Campmeeting Association, NSAC, National Spiritualist Teacher's Club. As an author, editor and publisher, Marilyn's contributions have opened the doorwary of understanding for many individuals.

PUBLICATIONS

Latest Books
Light from Beyond the Tomb: Spiritualism Survived River of Life – How to Life in the Flow (72 Natural Laws – Spiritual)

Books & Booklets
You and a Way (in 5th printing) The History of the N.S.A.C They Paved the Way Spiritualism's Biblical Understanding Revised July 2010 The Sunflower Spiritualist Philosophy for the 21st Century Revised July 2010 Contemporary Definitions of Psychic Phenomena and Related Subjects (Revised)

Course/Seminars
A Psychic You - The Big Picture The Intuitive You Ministerial Course for Spiritualists Mediumship Energetics Stepping Stones of Modern Spiritualism {Past, Present & Future} The Rhythmic Universe Co-Author of the New Educational Course of Modern Spiritualism

Co-authored Study & Workbooks under SAM, Inc. (Spiritualism & More)
Contemporary Definitions of Psychic Phenomena and Related Subjects Introductory Approach to Natural Law - Books, Books & More Books Educating of a Psychometrist – Representing the Religion of Spiritualism Who’s Who in Spiritualism of Yesteryear - A Poet Ponders – The Missing Link The Widow’s Mite - Natural Law Governs

Columnist
Psychic World (UK) The National Spiritualist Various secular magazines

Created
Spiritualism’s Millennium Calendar.
Although the calendar was created for the year 2000, it is of great value today because historical data has been inserted in each applicable day. An artist was engaged to set up a picture for every month of the year. On every day of the year, an event is listed that took place in Spiritualism from 1810 through the year 2000.