Father David and Pat Jones

We are saying, “Farewell,” to two dear friends on Sunday. When we began a new congregation in our living room in September 1996, David and Pat Jones and their family were vital components of what was to become Christ the King Church. For nearly 11 years, they have been faithful, giving, supportive, and hard-working members—the kind every pastor dreams of having.

David became our worship leader and led songs on his guitar as we met in the living room. Later, we moved into a funeral chapel and, for six years, he wrote music and led a growing worship ministry. For the past four and a half-years, he has led worship at our 10 a.m. service in our new sanctuary.

It hasn’t been easy for him or his wife. About the time he became our worship leader, a tumor in the brain began to manifest itself. A few years later, he had two brain surgeries in less than a day and very nearly died. His prognosis was grim and his wife was told that, even if he survived the aftermath of the surgery, they couldn’t remove the entire tumor and he had a life expectancy of 18 months. That was nearly six years ago and there is no trace of any cancer.

David became a deacon in our denomination and, later, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Holloway. He and the members of the worship ministry have served as leaders in both diocesan and provincial events and two albums of original music have been recorded. The Jones’ also led a musical and teaching mission to Ireland. If all of that wasn’t enough, David and Pat were instrumental in assisting Father Ron and Nancy Clemmer in the planting of a new church, St. Matthew’s, in Hogansville.

At Christ the King, David served on both the Rector’s Council and the church Parish Council. Pat became the chief sound technician and also served a term on the Parish Council. As a couple, they opened their home to many and it wasn’t unusual for someone who had no other place to go to wind up at the Jones’ home for a few months. On Sunday mornings, David became an icon of sorts. The definition of an icon is “a picture, image, or other representation.” For many, David Jones has been just that—a picture, image, and representation of mercy, hope and faithfulness, even during trying and difficult times.

The Jones’ kids have grown up and scattered now, bringing about a couple of grandchildren, and an opportunity has presented itself that will require Father David and Pat to move to Baton Rouge, La. Sunday will be their last “formal” time with us and we are happy for them and sad for us.

In my life and ministry, I can count on one, maybe two, hands the people who have made a profound and significant impact on my life with an influence that has lasted for decades. David Jones is such a man. But, beyond this, he, and his wife, have had such an impact on our congregation that they will be seen many years from now as among those who laid a foundation and who impacted and changed lives. It is even fair to say that, if not for them, Christ the King, at least as we know it, might not even exist.

They have served honorably and well. They have been and remain our friends. We will embrace them and honor them Sunday but we will love them and remember them for many, many years to come. They have left their mark and we have been blessed.