The Tribune. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1951-19??, 1954-02-20

before and during the War Between the States after
commenting on sundry less frutless efforts bv
MS church to carry work with the NEGROES said.
THE Sabbath School, founded by General Jackson
Tor their benefit was decided success This dstin-
gulshed man threw himself this work with all his
characteristic energy and wisdom. Whatsoever he did
prospered To the moment he was always punctual at
the opening of the school, Although WIDELY ignorant of
the science of music and having neither ear nor voice
for singing, he yet learned to sing
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved wretch like me-
that the school would recognize it carry it along Sab
bath after Sabbath he would stand before his school and
haise this hymn and tune.
Under his management this school became one of
the most interesting and useful institutions in the church
So deep was his interest in that during the war when
ne was at the front the midst of active campaipns be
would find time to write asking about it. and otherwise
showing how closely it lay on his brave heart"
General, then Major Jackson organized this school
IN 1856 and superintendent it until he was called into
the Confederate Army in 1861 1t continued until
about 1885, when the for it seemed to have passed
After General Jacksons departure the work was car
rled on by Colonel John T. L. Preston founder of and
professor IN V and his wife who the former Mar
garet Junkn and sisterin-aw of General Jackson In
a aruce IN the Sunday School Times published Dec g.
1881, Mrs. Preston wrote: "When the mao had be-
come general and sweeping and forth through
his native Virginia at the head of the army he rarely
wrote a letter home in which something was not said
about his well beloved Sunday School Success or defeat
anxiety or suffering, glory grief nothing made him
forget It, or cease to be interested in it's welfare"
DR. Downngs parents had both been in the school
before the war under Jackson teaching which was bv
no means confined to the school sessions He knew all of
the scholars and visited them and had them come o
him during the week for instruction and counsel DR.
downing himself was born May 3, 1862 while General
jackson was displaying his military genius in the field
so did not directly under his teaching but nbbed
Its benefits through his parents He went to the Sun
day School as soon as he old enough and continued
In faithful attendance until under the influence of Colo
mel and Mrs Preston he decided to enter the ministry
Alter graduating from a Theological Seminary in
Pennsylvania he served for some years under Board
the Presbyterian Church USA, popularity known in the
South as the Northern Church, doing missionary work
among Negroes in Virginia In that capacity he found
ABOUT 1870 group of Negroes in Roanoke who wanted
TO start Presbyterian church in the city He organized
church win small membership in the home of Jesse
W. WlngIled, VINO was made elder. One other elder
was elected at that time Prof Thomas T. Henry lead
ing spirit IN the movement Miss Lucy Addison a
well known and life long teacher in the Roanoke schools
After two short pastorates by other ministers DR. Down
ing became pastor Of the church 1894 and served for
about half century until his death being one of Roam
okes most esteemed and useful citizens His church now
reports 400 members