Thomas Edward JONES

JONES, THOMAS (EDWARD) (b. Liverpool England, 7 Mar 1903, d. Plympton, SA, 11 May 1972.) Missioner to outback Australians.

Very early in his life, Tom Jones followed his father as an itinerant evangelist in towns around Liverpool, England. In answer to a poster, Jones, now 21, walked 74 miles to see the Rev George Chambers (q.v.) about ministry in the remote parts of Australia. His keenness and his walk for three days won him acceptance into BCA. After Ridley College (ordained 1928), and a curacy in Melbourne, Jones was asked by BCA in 1929 to minister in the area of Boggabilla on the northern border of NSW.

Such was his character and ability that he was invited to be the Victorian deputation secretary in 1932. He followed Bp S J Kirkby (q.v.) as the organising missioner of BCA in 1934. Married to Lucy Vincent, she says of him, 'For forty years he became BCA and I was Mrs BCA. It was his life.' His children, Tom, Gaynor and Llyndell also shared the pain of constant parting, as their father was so often away from home.

As requests for the society's help grew, each new challenge was met with prayer and a belief in the power of God that the meagre financial resources would not hinder the work. If there was to be an evangelistic ministry to people in the outback, there was also a need for medical and educational facilities. Under 'TJ' (as those who loved him, called him) there were school hostels, many hospitals in remote SA, the first complete flying medical service, the commencement of the Radio School (the first inter-communication with students in the outback which became the School of the Air) and radio assistance for fishing vessels. Each facility was to be maintained only until the people of the area could run their own concern. The Education Department of SA speedily recognised the worth of the School of the Air and supplied teachers for BCA and other Flying Doctor bases. Meanwhile the staff of BCA clergy, their wives, doctors, nurses, pharmacist, dentist, pilots, radio operators and technician, teacher and hostel parents would be evangelical Christians.

As recognition for his pioneering leadership, Tom Jones became an honorary Canon of St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, in 1956. He was among those who received the Coronation medal for service to the community in 1953 and on 31 May 1956, the Queen conferred on him the MBE for service to the outback.

He became the Bp of Willochra (an Anglican diocese of the north and west of SA) on 26 Nov 1958, where he served for a further 11 years. Seeing the need for spiritual growth, he established a conference centre at Melrose. Homes for the aged were built at Port Lincoln and Crystal Brook.

Helen Caterer writes, 'TJ was a man who appeared gruff and terse almost to the point of rudeness, and yet underneath was a heart of love. His staff realised that he gave himself unstintingly on their behalf. His encouragement to them was far more in deeds than in words and it was partly due to his inspiration that so many served for so long. Despite a serious eye complaint, which necessitated his wearing a black patch over one eye, giving him a slightly piratical air, he defied increasing ill health, and worked tirelessly for people.' (Caterer, 1981, 44) Those of us who served under him were sorry that his retirement in Adelaide was so short.

Helen Caterer, Australians Outback (Sydney, 1981)

THEO J HAYMAN