John personified the spirit of All Souls during
35 years as Minister and since 1995 as Minister Emeritus. He was
educated for pastoral work at the University of Chicago Federated
Theological Faculty and its Divinity School. John was called as
minister of All Souls on January 11, 1960. At that time Protestants
were fusing traditional religious values with a modern emphasis on
individual responsibility. Christian unity was undergoing a
revolutionary transformation, with the Ecumenical Movement, as the
Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches met with the Protestants at the
World Council of Churches.
Soon after his move to Tulsa, John was leading
the All Souls congregation in a building program, founding the day
school, putting church funding on a sound footing, and reaching out
with All Souls Television. His denominational work has included the
role of Producer and Host for "Faith in the Free Church," Unitarian
Universalist Television, Faith and Values Channel. He has also written
two books, Our American Heritage and The Gift of Doubt.
His honorary degrees and awards include the
establishment of the John Burton Wolf Endowment for the Unitarian
Universalist Association. His work within the community is extensive,
including leadership roles in the National Conference for Community and
Justice and the Tulsa Chapter of Planned Parenthood.
John began a unique co-ministry in 1990, retiring in 1995 to become
Minister Emeritus. He remains a vital force at All Souls, within the
larger Tulsa community, and in the Unitarian-Universalist Association.