GB59 Rev. Arthur L. James

GB59 Rev. Arthur L. James

Rev. Arthur L. James was born August 1, 1877 in Madison, Florida Howard and Lula James. During WWI James served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces as secretary under the War Work Council of the Y. M. C. A. From 1918 to 1957, James served as pastor at First Baptist Church Gainsboro. During his leadership the church experienced its highest membership, peaking at 2,193. Notably, James began the first daily vacation bible school in the city; presided over the Helping Hands Club and the Men’s Club, who were responsible for publication of The Church News, which was reported to be the only black newspaper in Southwest Virginia at the time; and began a weekly radio broadcast, the Black Home Devotional Hour, with the help of the church’s senior choir. Rev. Arthur L. James died September 8, 1968.

George C. Davis

Roanoke Public Libraries

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GB59

Gainsboro

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