Detroit: Monsignor James P. Robinson S.S.E., 83, died Jan. 9, 2015. Msgr. Robinson, son of Bennie and Gertrude (Johnson) Robinson, was born May 17, 1931, in Birmingham. He was a professed member of the Society of St. Edmund for 63 years and an Edmundite priest for 57 years.

In 1950, Msgr. Robinson entered the Edmundite Novitiate in Putney, Vt. He made his first profession of vows in 1951 and began his studies at St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vt., graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1953 with an A.B. in philosophy. On May 30, 1957, Bishop Robert F. Joyce ordained Msgr. Robinson at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington, Vt.

Msgr. Robinson began his priestly duties in the Mission Apostolate of the Diocese of Raleigh, N.C. (1957-58). He spent the next six years (1958-1964) as a math and science teacher and director of athletics at Cardinal Mindszenty High School in Dunkirk, N.Y. During this time, he received his masters in theology from St. Michael’s College, Colchester, Vt. His next assignment was pastor at St. Catherine Mission, Elizabeth City, N.C. (1964-1969). He was actively involved in civic affairs and was a moving force in desegregating the public schools of Elizabeth City, which led to a new high school, Northeastern High.

He brought Headstart into the area and was instrumental in getting the largest grant for a tri-county area in North Carolina that included Elizabeth City for the War Against Poverty programs. He spoke out against inhumane prison conditions and pushed for a new humane prison. In 1967, he was a founding member of the national Black Clergy Caucus.

From 1969-71, Msgr. Robinson serves as superior of the Edmundite Seminary in Burlington, Vt. and then returned to his hometown of Selma as assistant director of the Edmundite Mission and became involved in civic and political affairs. Federal funds were being withheld from the city as a result of suits being filed by civil rights groups and he brought dissident groups together and became a “bridge builder for peace.” He worked out a compromise called the “Selma Accord,” resulting in a new city hall, library, and convention center for Selma. He also was instrumental in obtaining funding from HUD and the Office of Economic Opportunity for Urban renewal, which provided new houses, paved sidewalks and streets and playgrounds for the underprivileged.

In February 1976, Msgr. Robinson was nominated and elected to fill one of 30 vacancies in the Graduate School of Continuing Theology at the North American College in Rome. In September, 1976, Msgr. Robinson was called to Detroit, Mich. His first assignment was pastor of St. Catherine/St. Edward Parish on the east side of the city. In early 1977, he became Episcopal vicar of the Eastside Vicariate, serving until 1983. Msgr. Robinson was a member of the Board of Trustees at Marygrove College and Madonna University from 1978-84, and a trustee at St. Michael’s College from 1985-88.

In April of 1983, Msgr. Robinson was named rector of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. The Cathedral thrived and many improvements were made under his administration. He served in this position until 2003.

In March 1990, the Holy Father named Fr. Robinson a Prelate of Honor of the Holy See, a Monsignor, a rare honor for a member of a religious order and he was the only religious in the United States to be so honored.

In May 1998, Msgr. Robinson received the degree of doctor of education from Madonna University in Livonia, Mich. He was presented in 2001 with the Mother Theresa Duchemin Maxis Award in celebration of his ministry and dedicated service.

Along with his Edmundite brothers, Monsignor Robinson is survived by his sisters, Mrs. Bennie Ragland and Mrs. Gloria Middleton, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation of the body will be held from noon until the wake service which begins at 7 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Ave., Detroit on Friday, Jan. 16. On Saturday, Jan. 17, Msgr. Robinson will lie in repose from 10 a.m. until the beginning of the funeral mass at 11 a.m. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, a funeral mass will also be celebrated at Queen of Peace Church in Selma. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Memorial Cemetery in Selma. A reception will be held at St. Andrews Hall at Queen of Peace Church in Selma following the burial.