Rev. Canon Joel Atkinson

Father Joel was a true giver of self. He walked the walk that he preached. He initiated the Cathedrals involvement in the ministry of providing shelter to the homeless folk of Bethlehem. I was fortunate to be involved early on and learned much from him during our evenings in Sayre hall. He showed me about tough love...how to be objectively compassionate. I have maintained my involvement in this ministry and thank him often. Condolences to his family during this very hard time; I am very...

My deepest condolences for his love ones! He was a great minister. Work together for Bethlehem Southside Ministries.

Condolences to the Atkinson Family. Fr.Joel, was such a fine and loved man to the New Bethany Family. Always enjoyed taking a minute to share a smile or a bit of wit. Anyone who knew him loved him. His memory will live on in Hearts of many .

Rev. Joel served on the board of the "Exodus Program" when I was its administrator, a number of years ago. He believed in its work with first offenders and was always a guiding light to me as we worked together. When I began attending church at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity he often served us at the Wednesday healing service. So many of us missed him in his retirement and now with his passing we shall miss him even more. My sincerest sympathy to his entire family at this difficult time!

Josie and family, Deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family. Joel was a nice person. We always liked chatting with him at the bookstore. Love, Gary and Mary Lou Lewis

Remembering Joel from working with him through Southside Ministries. He also loved to serve at the Thrift Shop and he was a constant presence at New Bethany.

Father Joel was the first priest to give our son Adam, then 3 years old his first communion host. We walked to the high altar rail, and my beautiful, blond boy looked up at him, reached out his tiny hands and Father Joel placed the host in his palm. I quietly cried back to the pew, as I wasn't ready for this moment, but Adam obviously was. And Father Joel - in this instinctive moment - responded. Godspeed, and our condolences to Josie and the family. We are blessed to have known you.