…Many improvements and new ideas were launched under Rev. James’ distinguished leadership. To recount a few: stained-glass windows were installed ($2,000); the lot adjoining the church was purchased ($8,500); the church office was established and a secretary was employed; the Sunday Bulletin was initiated; the first Daily Vacation Bible School in the city was begun along with the first equipped playground for negroes; he founded, edited and published The Church News, the only Negro newspaper in SW Virginia at that time; a milk line which gave free milk to the depressed area citizens; the Parish Hall was built; noon day prayer services were instituted in 1924 and continued for 25 years and support for a missionary in Africa was assumed. In 1930 the pastor and senior choir began a program of religious worship over WDBJ local radio station called “Back Home Devotional Hour” which was broadcast weekly. Many times the Sunday morning service broadcast from the sanctuary via remote equipment set up in the pastor’s study.

The year 1955 ended a brilliant and successful era by his retirement. The prestige of the church under Arthur Leonard James has not been equaled.

Rev. E. L. Green (1959-1966)

June of 1959 to September of 1966 were fruitful years in the history of our great church. Under the leadership of Rev. Green the total program of the church was improved and expanded. There were 212 members added to the church family; a new parsonage was bought and paid for; the budget system was established; annual memorial services inaugurated; Day Nursery and Kindergarten were opened; Addressograph, electric typewriter, electric adding machine, and new office furniture were purchased; Missionary Society divided into neighborhood groups; all church property repaired and the best speakers were sought to serve our church on special occasions. He was a member of 2 biracial committees that are credited with bringing about integration of public facilities here.

Our church also served as the meeting and organizational place for the recently dedicated Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. under Victory Stadium. The purpose of the O. I. C. was to engage in a comprehensive self-help, self-motivation program to train or retrain men and women, with untapped talents and unknown skills, who are unemployed or under-employed to prepare to become productive and independent citizens.

The Roanoke Branch was established in 1966 with the Rev. Emmett L. Green as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Their motto is “WE HELP OURSELVES.” We are happy we were able to serve our community in this way.