The Twin City Star

LABORS IN MANY GOOD MOVEMENTS

Success of Rev. Dr. L. L. Downing at Roanoke, Va.

MAN OF LIBERAL EDUCATION

Minister of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church In Thriving Virginia Town

Evinces a Deep Interest In Municipal Affairs—Member of Odd Fellows Masons and Organization Society.

Roanoke, Va.—One of the important factors in racial development in this section of the country is the Rev. Dr. L. L. Downing, pastor of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church, probation officer and vice president of the Virginia Negro Organization society. He is making his contribution to the race along practical lines.

The Rev. Mr. Downing claims as his birthplace Lexington, Va., where he was born just a few years before the surrender of Lee, so that after the emancipation of the slaves and the schoolroom was thrown open to the little boys and girls of our race he was just old enough to be among the first to get into the public schools of Lexington. He was a diligent student and made good use of his time, being anxious to further prepare himself for his life's work, he entered Lincoln university.

It was while in the preparatory department of Lincoln that the ability of young Downing was manifested. For four years he stood at the head of his class, and his general average was so high during the four years that he was given a scholarship in the college department. He made good in his work and in 1889 graduated from the college department with honors. He felt that he was called to the work of the gospel ministry and at the same time felt a call to prepare for that work and entered the Theological seminary, determined to make ample preparation for his calling. He graduated from the theological department of Lincoln in 1894.

While he was a student in the theological department he taught Latin for two years in the preparatory department of the same institution. He was considered a good instructor and was offered a permanent place in the schoolroom, but preferred to follow his calling. He received from Lincoln the degree of bachelor of arts, bachelor of sacred theology, and in 1906 the institution conferred on him the degree of doctor of divinity.

Dr. Downing was not without class honors, for in 1887 he won the sophomore gold medal for the delivery of an original oration. Finishing his school work, he found his way to Roanoke, Va., where he took charge of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church in 1894 and has remained its minister ever since. In July of 1894, when he took charge of the church, it was a small mission with seven members, but prospects were bright for a larger membership. The services were then held in a hall on Sixth avenue, but now the congregation owns a beautiful church building on Fifth avenue, entirely free of debt.

Speaking of racial development, Dr. Downing has figured in the affairs of state and has been for the past nineteen years a member of the Republican city committee, being the only member of his race in that body; hence when it comes to the affairs of the city he ably represents our people. It is not surprising that he should be appointed the first probation officer, and he is doing his work so well that it has caused the city officials to take special notice of his work.

In the fraternal organizations he is an Odd Fellow and was for a long time district grand master, and now he is the grand master of Masons for Virginia, to which position he was elected at the last session, held in Fredericksburg. He is being heard from in the fraternity, rendering great service to the craft.

Dr. Downing has the distinction of being a commissioner to the general assembly of the Presbyterian church three times in succession and has been for a number of times moderator of the presbytery.

REV. L. L. DOWNING, D. D.