The Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Rick Badie covers Lady Sintana’s passing:
In 1975, Mrs. White, aka Lady Sintana, founded Ravenwood Church, the state’s first pagan congregation. By 1982, the high priestess had successfully challenged the IRS and Ravenwood became one of the first Pagan congregations in the country to be granted tax-exempt status as a church.
It was significant work, said her husband, David John White, aka Lord Merlin, the Elder High Priest of Ravenwood, now located in Johns Creek.
“Her mission in life was to bring respect and legality to the pagan religion,” he said. “She not only won legal battles, but she won over hearts as well. Her main idea was not to convert people but to have some venue where people could learn the truth.”
Recently, Candace H. Lehrman White, 73, had resided with her daughter in western North Carolina. She died Sept. 17 from complications of lung cancer. A public memorial will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 2 at Gala Special Events, 3760 Lower Roswell Road, in Marietta.
Born on a Kansas dairy farm, Mrs. White moved from Buffalo, N.Y., to Atlanta to nurse an ill friend. She stayed and elected to follow her father into ministry but as a high priestess of Wicca, not in the Baptist faith.
Previous PNC-GA coverage of Lady Sintana’s passing:
Lady Sintana: Atlanta Legend Passes
PNC-Georgia 