Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1896-02-20
A NOTED MINISTER,
Brief Sketch of the Life of the Late Rev
TheOphilus Jones.

Brief Sketch of the Life of the Late Rev
Theophilus Jones.
Rev. Theophius Jones, who was the
Oldest and one of the ablest Welsh Bap-
tist ministers of America, died at the
home of his son, D. M. Jones, ESQ.,, at
torney-at-law, Wilkesbarre, at the age
of So years. Mr.. Jones was born at
Caerphili, South Wales, February 2,
1910. He was converted at the age OF
eighteen, under the ministry of Christ
mas Evans, at Caerphili; but there is
one very remarkable fact in his boyhood
days, viz, when he was fourteen or fif-
teen years old he used to go to the
neighborhood of Hengoed, about six
miles from his home, to conduct prayer
meetings, before he had professed con-
version, and it is said that he manifested
remarkable power in prayer even at
that age.
In 1S43 he emigated to America and
settled as pastor at Williamsburg, N. Y,
but after the Rev. Morris Williams re-
signed the charge of the Welsh Baptist
church of New York, Mr.. Jones removed
there and succeeded him in the pastor
ate. twas during Mr. Jones' pastorate
that the meeting house of the Christie
Street Welsh Baptist church was erect
ed. The most of his American ministry
was spent among the Welsh churches,
but he was also pastor of several English
churches, viz, Marcus Hook, Del, 1s4s-
1851, East Nent-miel, or in plain English,
East Honey Brookchurch, Chester coun-
ty, Pa. and also Aldenville, Wayne
county, Pa.
In all the churches he served he has
made indelible impressions by the power
of his preaching. Space would not per-
NIT me to write what would like to, but
there is one incident in connection with
his Aldenville pastorate that ought to be,
and will be perpetrated in the history of
the origin of that beautiful gospel song,
"Almost Persuaded" 1t occurred in the
year 1863. AT that time Mr.. p. p Bliss
and wife lived at that place, taught
music and sang in the Baptist choir.
One Sunday morning Mr.. Jones preached
remarkable sermon from the words,
almost thou persuadest me to be
Christian, etc, which made wonderful
impression on the audience. AS soon as
Mr.. Bliss returned to his boarding place
he retired into his room and composed
that sweet song, "Almost Persuaded"
which had been suggested to him by the
pastors morning sermon. l am glad to
be able to trace the origin of that song
to such a source.
His funeral services were held on
Monday at his late home and at the
First Welsh Baptist church of Wilkes
barre, of which he was the first pastor
Rev. B. F. McGee, pastor OF the First
English Baptist church, and Rev. Mr..
Webster (Presbyterian) of1icated at the
house. At the church the services were
conducted by the pastor, Rev. John T.
Lloyd. Psalm "a was read by Rev. j.
Nj. Lloyd, of Parsons, and the prayer by
Rev. Theophllus Davis (CongregationaD
of Plains. Addresses were delivered by
the following brethren: Rev. John T.
Griffith, Freeland; Deacon b. Hughes,
Scranton, superintendent of the Della
ware and Hudson Company's collieries;
Revs. w. f. Davies, of Providence; r.
G. Edwards, d. d. (CongregationaD,
Edwardsdale; Charles Jones, Nantcoke;
Jacob Davies, Plymouth; w. S. Jones,
Hyde Park, Scranton, and A. j. Morton,
Pittston. Closing prayer was by Rev.
w. ID. Thomas, Pittson. Interment at
Forty Fort cemetery. A quartette from
the English Baptist church, composed
of Prof. Geo. Mason and Mrs. Mason
(who is daughter of the late Dr. Frear)
Richard Williams and Mrs. Fry sang
some sweet songs.
He leaves one son. d. NJ. Jones, ESQ.,,
and one daughter, Mrs. Jennie Reed
both graduates of Bucknell, and host
of ministers and friends to mourn his
loss. His wife preceded him few years
ago. Thus from the age of fourteen to
eighty-six he lived and died in the faith.
Rev. John L. Griffith has kindly fa-
vored the TRIBUNE with the above ar
ticle, which he has prepared for the
denominational journal, the New York
Examiner, of which he is correspon-
dent and it will appear in that paper in
the near future. ED.
Legion of Honor Banquet.