Divinity Library to be Named in Honor of Dr. Lawrence Neale Jones

The Howard University School of Divinity will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Lawrence Neale Jones during the Opening Convocation on January 20, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. The library dedication will take place immediately following the service. The Lawrence Neale Jones Library will stand in tribute of its namesake who served diligently as dean from 1975-1991.

His contributions were vast and enduring. Much of the school’s growth occurred under Dean Jones’ leadership: the school’s progressive move from the University’s main campus to the site on Randolph Street in northwest D.C. to its current location on Shepherd Street in northeast D.C., as well as the increase in student enrollment, faculty and resources. It was also during his tenure that “Great is thy Faithfulness” was adopted as the school song.  

Among other positions held, Dean Jones served as pastor of churches in Ohio, New York City, and Washington, D.C., including Church of the Redeemer and Plymouth Congregational. He also served as Dean of the Chapel at Fisk University; and Dean of the Faculty and Acting President of Union Theological Seminary, where he was the first African American to hold that position.

During his long years in life's vineyard, he wrote many pieces, including Soundings, Theological Reflections and Notes from a Preacher's Desk. After his retirement, he wrote African Americans and the Christian Churches, 1619-1860, which was published in 2007, when he was 86 years old. He was the recipient of many honorary degrees and awards, befitting an extraordinary person.

He received a bachelor's degree from West Virginia State College, a master's degree in American History from the University of Chicago, a bachelor of divinity degree from Oberlin College Graduate School of Theology, and a Ph.D. in African American Church History from Yale University.  

Dean Jones passed away on December 7, 2009, and was laid to rest on December 12. He will be remembered as a visionary, scholar, educator, preacher, pastor, mentor, vanguard, statesman, historian and author.