From the Loudoun Times

(The punctuation and spelling are as they appeared in the original document.)

September 7, 1922

COLORED BAPTIST ASS’N OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

   The forty-sixth annual convention of the colored Baptists Association of Northern Virginia began in the Providence Baptist Church here on Wednesday last and continued through Thursday and Friday. William L. Jones officially welcomed the visiting clergy and lay delegates at 11:00 o’clock on Wednesday.
   Mayor Janney, in speaking for the town of Leesburg, expressed the pleasure of the community that such a large and creditable number were present and stated that the white people were in sympathy with the purpose of the association, which is: “Better Service For God.”
   Rev. W.J. King, speaking in behalf of the white ministers, of Leesburg, wished that the delegates would have a successful and pleasant meeting and that they would enjoy their visit here. The association was organized with Rev. M.F. Strother as acting moderator; Rev. S.M. Johnson, vice moderator; Rev. S. B. Ross, clerk; Deacon L.C. Green, treasurer, and Rev. C. W. Austin, corresponding secretary. Rev. A.T. Shirley, speaking for the association, responded to the address of mayor Janney and Rev. G.C. Banister responded in behalf of the clergy and delegates to the address of Rev. Mr. King. The annual sermon was preached by Rev. James H. Marshall of Washington.
   On Thursday there was present one of the largest, if not the largest crowd of colored people that ever assembled here. Good behavior prevailed throughout the day and the town officers and the colored officers and special police, and those who had charge of the meeting, are to be congratulated for the efficient way in which they handled the large crowd, which is estimated to have been between four and five thousand.