The Howard University School of Divinity will dedicate its library in honor of Dr. Lawrence Neale Jones, during the Opening Convocation on Wed., Jan. 20. Dr. Jones, who served as dean of the divinity school for 16 years from 1975-1991, died on Mon., Dec. 7. He was 88.

Dr. Jones contributions were vast and enduring. Much of the school’s growth occurred under Dean Jones’ leadership including 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. He is also credited for 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.

Dr. Jones served as pastor of churches in Ohio, New York City, and Washington, D.C., including Church of the Redeemer and Plymouth Congregational Church. 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.

Dr. Jones 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.

Prior to Dean Jones’ passing, the University’s administration had granted the approval to rename the School of Divinity’s library in his honor, The Lawrence Neale Jones Library. The dedication will be held at the School of Divinity, 1400 Shepherd Street, N.E. on Wed., Jan. 20, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. during the school’s Opening Convocation.