JONES, Griffith Robert, Rev (1857-1949)
Assembly memorial minute, 1950
Griffith Robert Jones was born on 23rd July, 1857, at Dinorivic, in Wales. While yet in his teens he was licensed by the Welsh Calvinistic Church (Methodist) to preach the Gospel. When he was almost twenty years of age he embarked upon a literary and classical course at the University College, Aberystwith. Thereafter, at the Presbyterian Theological College in Bala, he completed a Divinity course. After these eight years of study he was ready to sit for the Synodical examination of the Welsh Church, but went on to further studies at Edinburgh. This course was not completed, for after two years his health failed. In 1886 he came to Australia, and was thereupon accepted for ordination by the Welsh Presbyterian Church of Victoria.
In 1888 he was accepted by our Victorian Assembly, subject to twelve months’ service under the Home Mission Committee. On 15th July, 1890, he was ordained and inducted into the pastoral charge of Merino. While there he married Miss Cameron of Doonan, in the Casterton district. After five years he resigned the charge and was engaged in pulpit supply until 1897, when he accepted a call to Broadford. After fourteen years he was translated to Kerang, in 1911, where he fulfilled fourteen years of faithful ministry, retiring on 9th June, 1925. In 1926 he became minister emeritus with a seat in the Bendigo Presbytery; later in Mallee Downs Presbytery.
Mr. Jones enjoyed a long retirement of 24 years, during which he rendered a gracious and effective ministry in pulpit supply. He exercised a decided gift for friendship that was valued greatly among his fellow ministers. He was a man of stainless character, being regarded as a most saintly servant of our Lord. He was a faithful pastor, ever zealous unto the winning of souls. He served his Church with untiring devotion, his message always being the evangel of his Lord. He passed away at his home in Sandringham on Wednesday, 27th April, 1949, at the age of 92.
To Mrs. Jones the Assembly tenders sincere sympathy.
Gender
- Male