The Twin City star. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1910-19??, 1913-07-04
LEADER AMONG
E. THE. .BAPT|STS
Determination In Oklahoma
HonoEs Or. 5. 5. Jones.
FOREMOST IN UPLIFT WORK

Pioneer Missionary In Early History Of
the State Given Lengthy Ovation by
Sunday School Congress For spseiai
Services In its BehaIf-Great Organ.
izsr and Financisr.
Muskogee, Okla. - Leader of the
Baptists Of Oklahoma" is the distinc-
ton won by the Rev. s. s. Jones, pres
ident of the Baptist state convention
and one of the prime factors in the up
lift Of the race in this section of the
country. He has made his way to the
front by hard work and diligent study.
Born in Tennessee, DR.. Jones was
deprived Of parental care in early life
and had to make his way almost single
handed. He had determination to be
something in life. So with that end in
, view he entered the public school and
devoted his time in study, making each
day count for something. He declar-
ed, 81 will find way to the top or
make one"
While thus struggling Rev. Mr.. Jones
felt that there was great RESPONSE
bility resting upon him. He was con-
verified and felt that he was called to
preach and that it was his duty to pre-
pare for such high calling. Through
the aid Of the Home Mission Society Of
New York he was able to enter q
theological seminary and remained un-
til he had finished his course of study.
Feeling that he was fully prepared
for his work, he stepped out into life
with great ambition and self reliance.
His first field OF, active labor was In
Oklahoma, being directed hither as
missionary for the entire territory.
This was in the early days Of Okla
homa. There was work to be accom-
pills !. and he took hold of it with q
determination to do something for the
cause and his race. He passed through
many hardships, as one will in the
opening Of new country. On the
railroads, in wrecks. broken down
trains and other trying experiences
only served to spur him on his work.
Hard and earnest toll brought to him
many friends.
The First Baptist congregation of
Muskogee, that had been trying for
some time to get up church building,
failed under many pastors. 1t finally
extended a call to DR.. s. s. Jones.
The church owned valuable property
and wanted only leader. Rev. DR..
Jones proved to be the right man for
the place. When he took hold Of the
church many declared that 1t was i'm
possible to complete the edifice They
were holding services in the basement,
and the church was known as 1.-The
hole in the ground" and was unpopular
in the city.
Like a John the Baptist crying In
the wilderness. he stood preaching to
the people. who focked to hear him
in great numbers. His first sermon
was not preached in the church, but
out in the open air. The church Is
now valued at 100000 and the parson.
age at $1,000 During the national Bap-
list Sunday school congress the church
was equipped with seats at cost of
ST ,50O.
DR.. Jones was chairman Of the local
committee on entertainment for the
Sunday school congress and did his
work nobly. His welcome to the thou
sands Of delegates and visitors to the
congress was received with great en-.
thusiasm. SO great was the ovation
given DR.. Jones that 1t was several
minutes before he could proceed with
his speech.
For some time DR.. Jones has been
the leader Of the Baptists Of the state,
numbering 5000. is president Of the
state convention and has the conf
dence Of the ministers making up the
convention His leadership is highly
regarded. and when he speaks the
Baptists hear him and are ready to
follow his lead for the betterment of
his people. DR.. Jones is editor of the
Baptist Informer, the official organ of
the Muskogee Baptists, and has made
a reputation as an editor as well az a
pastor and flnancier.