JONES, John Gwyn (M.A.) 1901 - 1962

Obituary from the Minutes of the Methodist Conference 1962, page 205

Born at Ystumtuen, Cardiganshire, in 1901 and educated at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where in 1927 he graduated with First Class Honours in Welsh Literature.

He was accepted as a candidate for the Ministry in 1924 and received his theological training at Wesley House, Cambridge.

He ministered in the following circuits : Tregarth, Pwllheli, Caernarvon, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Bangor and Conway.

His gifts as preacher and leader were evident early in his ministry. In 1941 he was appointed Synod Secretary and nine years later became Chairman of the District.

To both offices he brought great administrative skill, wise and charitable judgement and a wealth of sympathetic understanding.

Meticulous attention to detail and un stinted labour characterized his utter devotion to his work.

A man of varied interests and keen intellect, his knowledge of Welsh Methodism was wide and detailed, and his articles and lectures on various aspects of this and other subjects are of permanent value.

In 1954 he was elected President of the Council of Evangelical Churches in North Wales, and in 1959 he became President of the Welsh Assembly.

Capable as he was in administration, the pulpit and the care of the flock were his chief concern, and he brought a well-trained mind and a loving heart to his preaching and pastoral work. He was an excellent preacher, and his sermons reflected wide reading, deep thought, spiritual insight and evangelical conviction. Despite the many demands made upon him he always had time for those who turned to him for guidance and encouragement.

He was much loved by his people, and the memory of his sincerity and modesty, his rich Christian experience and his sympathetic friendship is cherished in countless hearts and homes. His unswerving integrity and unfailing courtesy impressed all who knew him, and his brethren in the Ministry found in him a loyal and beloved colleague, an understanding and trustworthy friend and a true Christian gentleman.

The inspiration of his whole life was a deep piety and a quiet confidence in his Master. It was that faith which upheld him through his illness, and enabled him to bear pain and discomfort with courage and serenity and a sympathetic concern for others.

He died on 23 January 1962, in the sixty-first year of his age and the thirty-fourth of his ministry.

©Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 1962

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