The Life And Testimony Of Mrs. Thomas Jones
Earthen Vessel 1912:
Mrs. Jones was born of godly parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Harrington-Page, on October 23rd, 1855, at Ironbridge. She was baptised on September 15th, 1889, and received into the Strict Baptist Church at Birch Meadow, Brosely, Salop. Ultimately she removed to the vicinity of London, where she spent several years at Blackheatb, afterwards at New Cross, where she joined the Church at Zion, meeting there her future husband, Mr. Thomas Jones, the pastor. She was eminently fitted for a pastor’s wife, and became a true mother to Mr. Jones’s children by his former wife, nursing his youngest daughter through a long painful illness until her death with all a mother’s tenderness and care. She took an active part in the work at Zion, having a large Young Women’s Class who were deeply attached to her. She was a true helpful to her husband in his pastoral work. When they removed to Wandsworth, she again threw her heart into the Lord’s service, holding a Bible Class, taking part in the Band of Hope, Women’s Meetings, and other branches of Christian labour.
After about five years’ service there, her beloved husband was taken from her to higher and nobler service above. About a year and a-half elapsed, and then symptoms of the disease manifested themselves which eventually terminated her valuable life.
An operation was performed eighteen months before her death. Hopes were entertained that it would prove successful, and her life would be spared, but it was not so to be. She suffered intense pain at times, borne with much patience and Christian courage. Mr. Mutimer visited her several times in her last illness. These visits were much appreciated by her, especially those of her dear friend, Mrs. Brown. Her sister, Mrs. Bradley, was with her to the end. She was very grateful for the kindness of them all, and her nurses, who tended her night and day.
The writer visited her for the last time about a fortnight before the end came. She said, when I entered the room, “Dear old friend, I am nearly home.” It was a touching interview for us both. I had buried my dear brother, her husband, his first wife, two of his children, and I knew it would not be long ere I should be called upon to take part in the last earthly service for her. The Lord called her home to rest on March 5th.
“Happy entrance then was given;
All her sorrows left behind;
Earth exchanged for heaven.”
The funeral took place on Saturday, March 9th. The chapel at West Hill was nearly full of sympathetic mourners. Mr. W. J. Styles, the former pastor, with the deacons and many of the members, were present with the relatives. The service was conducted by Mr. R. Mutimer and E. White, who read some suitable Scriptures and offered prayer. Mr. Mutimer gave an address, speaking of the departed. He dwelt upon her usefulness in the Church of God—the esteem in which she was held by all who knew her as a loving servant of Christ and faithful pastor’s wife. Here was a happy release from pain and sorrow, “to be for ever with the Lord.” Many of the friends then wended their way to Putney Vale Cemetery, where he mortal remains were laid to rest with her dear husband, Mr. E. White, giving a short address of comfort and hope to those assembled, and biding farewell to the loved form of our dear sister, after Mr. Mutimer had committed the body to the silent tomb, awaiting a joyful resurrection to eternal glory, when all the shadows shall have fled away and the everlasting morn shall break.
E. White
Mrs. Thomas Jones (1855-1912) was a Strict and Particular Baptist believer. She was the wife of Thomas Jones, a gospel preacher. She met her husband at the church meeting at New Cross, a widower with several children. She became a true mother to the motherless. She engaged in gospel teaching among the Young Women’s Class, her students becoming deeply devoted to her.
