Death of 125-year-old college a sad Southside refrain, but Lawrenceville won't quit believing

LAWRENCEVILLE, Virginia — After 125 years, tiny St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville will close forever June 30.

It's a sad passing and a big loss for a small town in Virginia's rural Southside region where such setbacks have become common in recent decades.

In this Thursday, June 13, 2013 photo, a historical marker is placed in front of the Brunswick County Courthouse which is under renovation in Lawrenceville, Va. The area has been dealt blows with the closing of the Brunswick County Correctional facility, as well as the closing of Saint Paul's College in two weeks. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

It's rare for a town of about 1,300 people to play host to a four-year institution of higher learning. And it was a point of pride for the Brunswick County seat of government.

Lawrenceville is accustomed to adversity. A major employer disappeared some years ago when the state closed the Brunswick Correctional Center, just outside the city limits.

But Lawrenceville finds ways to rebound.

This month, the City Council amended its zoning laws to allow for residential lofts and apartments to be developed one floor over downtown's shops and offices.

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