July 2, 2023 – Wade Marbaugh

Reclaiming Patriotism

The term “patriotism” has been usurped by extremists obsessed with American exceptionalism, predatory Capitalism, exclusionary policies and other ideas not conducive to our nation’s stability and sustainability. Progressive-thinking citizens should not let fanatical extremists set the terms of the national debate over what is patriotic and good for the country. Wade Marbaugh has been attending the First Existentialist Congregation with his wife, Stell Simonton, since the early 1990s and has served on the Board of Directors and as its chair. Professionally, he has served in many roles, but his passion is writing and acting. He has written several plays for local stages, a novel, various TV series episodes, screenplays, and short stories. He currently is acting in Indie movies and in a touring play about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which at some point will come to Atlanta. Wade is an Ohio native who moved to Atlanta in 1986 to write for a local newspaper. He subsequently married the editor who hired him, Stell. They have two adult children, Anna and Olivia Simonton.

  • Facilitator: Marsha Mitchiner
  • Musician: Kristen Hampton