EMU alum, pastor to serve as resource speaker for MLK observances

Story by Jim Bishop

A 1987 Eastern Mennonite University graduate who is pastor of a growing, multiethnic congregation in Philadelphia will be on campus Jan. 18-23 to interact with students and faculty and serve as resource speaker for Martin Luther King Jr. observances.
Leonard M. Dow, pastor of Oxford Circle Mennonite Church, will speak in university chapel 10 a.m. Friday on the theme, “The Dangerous Call of the Gospel,” based on I Cor. 1:18-25. He plans to reflect on the need for Christian love to be the motivating force for one’s actions that many in the world won’t understand, citing the Apostle Paul and the late Dr. King as examples of “a willingness to be fools for Christ.” The multicultural services praise team will lead in worship.

Dow will speak at a community worship service 11 a.m. Sunday in Martin Chapel of the seminary building. He will speak on the theme, “Afraid Yet Filled With Joy” from Matt. 28:8.

The EMU alumnus will reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. at the weekly “celebration” program 9 p.m. Sunday, also in Martin Chapel.

Dow will reflect on the civil rights leader’s life and legacy 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21 in the Campus Center Greeting Hall. He will speak on “A Clear and Present Danger.” The event is open to everyone.

While on campus, Dow will visit classes and interact with multicultural services personnel, the Black Student Union and other campus organizations and student athletes.

Dow, a former banker, joined Oxford Circle Mennonite Church in 1990 and grew into leadership roles there. He was called to pastor there in 1998. He also works with Mennonite Central Committee East Coast in relating to Philadelphia area Mennonite churches.

During his college years, Dow was a basketball standout as a forward for the EMU Royals. He was named to the All-ODAC first team 1983-86, was ODAC Player of the Year in 1985 and holds the all-time men’s scoring record with 2,192 points and all-time leading rebound record with 1,102.

Dow’s wife, Rosalie Rolon-Dow, also a 1987 alumna, is a former member of the EMU board of trustees. She is an associate professor of education at the University of Delaware.

All events are open to the public. For more information, contact EMU’s multicultural services office, 540.432.4458.