The Barry H. Downing Manuscript Collection

Collection

Identifier: SCM 320

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of correspondence and writings by Barry H. Downing. The correspondence ranges from the late 1960s to the present and is mostly related to his research into the Bible and UFOs. Downing’s writings in this collection include a bound copy of his doctoral dissertation, newspaper articles, book reviews, three bound collections of essays and sermons, and five editions of his book The Bible and Flying Saucers. Additionally, the collection contains reviews by other authors of The Bible and Flying Saucers.

Dates

1968 - 2014

Biographical / Historical

Barry H. Downing (1938-present) is a Presbyterian minister and author. He graduated from Hartwick College with a degree in physics and earned a bachelor of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He later earned his Ph.D. in divinity from the University of Edinburgh under the direction of John McIntyre and Thomas F. Torrance. His dissertation was titled Eschatological Implications of the Understanding of Time and Space in the Thought of Isaac Newton. Downing spent his ministerial career in the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley. He served for nearly 40 years as pastor of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Endwell, New York. Over the course of his career, he served as moderator twice, as chair of the Committee on Ministry for three years, as chair of Self Development for ten years, and as chair of the Presbytery Executive Search Committee. Downing is noted for his interest in the theological implications of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). His book, The Bible and Flying Saucers, was first published in 1968 and subsequently went through several editions and translations. He has also contributed articles on UFOs to The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters, Skylook, MUFON UFO Journal, Flying Saucer Review, UFO Magazine, and Ancient Astronauts Magazine. His interests led to his involvement with the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) as well as the Fund for UFO Research (FUFOR). He has also appeared on the History Channel’s series Ancient Aliens.

1938
: Born, Syracuse, New York
1960
: Graduated, Hartwick College, Bachelor of Arts
1963
: Graduated Princeton Theological Seminary, Bachelor of Divinity
1966
: Graduated, University of Edinburgh, Doctorate
March 5, 1967
: Ordained, Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley
1967-71
: Assistant Pastor, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Endwell, New York
1968
: Published The Bible and Flying Saucers
1971-2001
: Senior Pastor, Northminster Presbyterian Church
February 14, 2001
: Retired

Extent

1 Linear Feet (2 Boxes )

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Administrative Information

Processing Information: This collection was donated by Barry H. Downing in the spring and summer of 2014. Daved Anthony Schmidt processed the collection and wrote its finding aid in the summer of 2014.

Access: There are no special restrictions to the access of this collection. It is available to be examined by library patrons under the normal rules and conditions of the Department of Special Collections.

Use of Materials: The following is the acceptable citation for publication: The Barry H. Downing Manuscript Collection. Special Collections, Princeton Theological Seminary Library.