The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-04-21

Seldom does 1t fall to the lot of one
clergyman to minister unto the spiritual
needs of one church for thirty years
Rev. DR.. II. s. Jones, pastor of the
Providence Welsh Congregational
church passed the thirtieth milestone
yesterday and gives every promise of
being able to continue for many years
In active service for the Master.
In commemoration of this happy
event special services were conducted
yesterday in honor of Dr. Jones in the
old church on West Market street.
There were services in the morning and
afternoon and at night. All were con-
Quoted in the Welsh language and the
extremely large attendance at each was
a splendid testimonial Of the high es-
teem and great respect in which DR..
Jones is held not only by his own par
ishoners but also by the members Of
other churches and by people of Welsh
blood all over the city.
a handsome picture of the Clergyman
hung behind the pulpit and above and
below it appeared the dates 1872" and
1000" The pulpit itself was banked
with flowers and massive palms.
Henry Jenkins presided at the morn
ing session which was devoted entirely
to the singing of hymns of praise and
to the calling of the church roll. AS
the name Of each member of the con-
gregation was called. he or she respond
ed by repeating a verse from the bible.
The members present who We're MEM
bers thirty years ago when DR.. Jones
took charge of the church, arose in
their places while answering to their
names.
In the afternoon special service was
conducted for those members who have
spent thirty years of their life under
Dr. Jones' guidance. Henry jenkins
again presided and addresses were
made by several fine old men. Among
these were Thomas Eynon, John D.
Evans, Dan. V. Evans, Evan Gabriel
and John J. Morgan. Mrs B. I. Evans.
of West Scranton, also spoke. The ad-
dresses were entirely of an informal
nature and consisted largely of recol-
lections of the early days Of the church.
THE EVENING SESSION..
The evening session was largely at
tended and was presided over by Evan
Gabriel one of the deacons. Thomas
r. Williams, John j. Morgan, John l..
Evans, some Of the Oldest deacons de-
livered addresses and D. u. Lewis, of
lead the devotional exercises.
He also delivered a short address giving
a brief history of DR.. Jones' career as
a pastor William Sinms, Mrs. ID. D.
Lewis and Mrs. Arthur Hobbs, rendered
several solos.
Miss Lizzie j. Williams, superintend-
ent of the Dutch Gap mission spoke in
behalf Of the mission, while Miss Han
nah Williams, superintendent of the
Sunday school spoke in behalf of her
school. The session was closed with an
informal address by DR.. Jones' in which
he expressed his hearty thanks for the
honors showered upon him and con-
graduated the congregation upon the
work done for the Master during his
ong pastorate.
Rev. DIR. r. S. Jones comes of fine
Welsh ancestry. He was born in Car
of South Wales. He
vas educated in boyhood in the COM
non schools of his district. He was
prepared for college at New Castle and
Vas graduated from the Brecan Con-
college in 1868. Shortly |
afterwards he was ordained to the |
and had several charges until |
ST. when he came to this country, |
soing first to Middle Granville, N. Y,
OR few months as supply.
From there he came to this city in
esponse to call he had received from
he Providence Welsh Congregational
hurch and began his ministry on April |
l, 1872. The church had a membership
# 12S at that time and was in fairly
lourishing condition. Within the course
f few years the church building was
nlarged to twice it's original size. all
ebts We're cleared up and a lecture