June 3, 2015
To the Family of Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones:
Growing up at First Baptist, Boston, I came to know Dr. Jones when he was serving in Brockton. I would meet him at TABCOM meetings and events. What I remembered the most was his inquisitiveness over a thought. He would turn his head slightly, point his finger like he was able to see the idea in the air, and then come up with a profound thought. I found him interesting because he was always interested in God’s world.
When I was serving as a staff member in the Youth Department of Educational Ministries in Valley Forge, Dr. Jones was serving on the Board of Educational Ministries. His local church experiences guided our Christian education priorities and helped design programs for the whole denomination. He was leading us to remain relevant and in touch with the local church.
Dr. Jones was always actively involved in the ABC Black Caucus. During this time, I was involved in the Asian Caucus as well as serving as the Chief Affirmative Action Officer for ABCUSA. When it came to ensuring that fair hiring practices were in place and that living out our richly blessed diversity was celebrated, Dr. Jones was an untiring advocate. I can still remember how he used to challenge me to do more while at the same time understanding full well how we must press on in Christian love.
I think what most of us remember most of Dr. Jones is his faithful dedication to his lifelong sweetheart Geraldine. He was always by her side and developing the physical strength to push her in her chair when she needed him the most. For many of us who may be weak-hearted, we may not have persevered. But Dr. Jones did and made sure that it was after he has fulfilled his earthly responsibilities and that God will do the rest that it was about time for him to receive that eternal rest as well.
Dr. Jones was Christ’s disciple and we’ll miss him dearly but as long as we remember such giants in the faith their wisdom and legacy will continue on. Philadelphia has made sure that the City of Brotherly Love will remember Dr. Jones by naming a street after him. Let us remember him too as surely God does.
Don Ng
ABC President 2014-15