Last evening’s well-attended and highly deserved tribute to Margaret Livingston featured guest speakers Paul Zahl, the former deacon of The Cathedral Church of the Advent and Margaret’s pastor, and Gail Andrews, the former Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Both speakers emphasized Margaret’s remarkable energy, unwavering enthusiasm, keen intelligence, genuine warmth, and fervent dedication to the museum. Gail highlighted her significant contributions to increasing attendance, enhancing educational programs, and enriching the museum’s collections.
Margaret Gresham Livingston by Larry Rivers, 1987. Oil on canvas mounted on foamcore, 97 x 60 x 5.5 in the Collection of the Birmingham Museum of Art; Museum purchase 1987.32,
Paul Zahl led the evening with a “Bidding Prayer” which he explained, rather than a euology, summarizes aspects of the person’s life, excerpted below:
“We give thanks to Thee for Margaret’s brilliant intelligence married to warmth, sincere openness, and also determination. We thank Thee for her generous and open heart. I thank Thee for her interior life, her unity even now with Thee….in Thy everlasting arms forever.”
-Reverend Paul Zahl
While the evening was originally planned to celebrate her 100th birthday, sadly she didn’t live to receive the accolades that she received.
The evening began with cocktails in the sculpture garden of the Birmingham Museum of Art, followed by a seated dinner. Margaret’s family was in attendance, along with museum benefactors, friends, and BHS Heritage Society members.
The museum’s commissioned choice of artist Larry Rivers reflected Margaret’s wish that the museum expand its collection of traditional art to include popular contemporary and ‘pop art’ among other styles.
Thank you Margaret Gresham Livingston for your life, your passion, your legacy, and your contribution to a better quality of life in Birmingham.