VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/28/15)—The Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones, 74, Pastor Emeritus of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, Pennsylvania, where he served for 31 years, and Interim Pastor of Zion Baptist Church, Pennsylvania, died at his home on Wednesday, May 27, exactly seven months after the death of his beloved wife, Geraldine.

American Baptist Churches USA mourns his loss and celebrates his life and faithful witness. “Beloved is the word that comes to mind whenever Dr. Jones’ name is mentioned,” said Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches. “His leadership skills allowed him to be equally at home with people of widely diverse backgrounds and interests. We mourn his passing but rejoice in his presence in the fullness of Christ’s presence.”

Rev. Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, III, executive director of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies said of Dr. Jones, “Dr. G. Daniel Jones was an extraordinary pastor, gifted preacher and dedicated servant leader. Our hearts are particularly heavy as he leaves to mourn an only son and grandchild and two grieving congregations, who absolutely cherished him. His thirty-one year relationship with Grace and his recent interim pastorate with Zion were both matches made in heaven. In the pulpit, G. Daniel Jones pushed his listeners to think. In the parking lot and hallways he was one of the most personable and amusing pastors I know. Everyone who knew him has a favorite G. Daniel story. You cannot think about him without smiling. The American Baptist Churches have lost a true treasure.”

Rev. Dr. James McJunkin, executive minister of the Philadelphia Baptist Association (PBA) added that “the legacy of Dr. Jones’ support for ABCUSA is unparalleled in our history. At the regional level, Dr. Jones provided leadership to the Commission on Ministry, was founding member and Past President of our Ministers’ Council and served as a moderator of the Board of Directors.”

Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones was a graduate of Virginia Union University, where he earned the Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. At the Andover Newton Theological School (a United Negro College Fund private Baptist school) in Massachusetts, he received his Masters of Divinity, and he received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University. Honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees were conferred upon him by both Virginia Union University and Lutheran Theological Seminary.

Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones exemplified untiring service to the Church of Jesus Christ. In addition to being Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, Jones, grandson of a pastor, served as pastor at churches in Brockton, Massachusetts and Portsmouth, Virgnia. He gave service on many distinguished boards and committees. He served on the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention, and on the Mu Omega chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity as a Life Member.

At American Baptist Churches USA, he served on the General Board for 18 years in several capacities. He also served as President of the Ministers Council and as a Regionally Nominated Representative from PBA. He was Chaplain of the General Board in 2006 and 2007. “The way Dr. G. Daniel Jones cared for his wife, Geraldine, over the years,” said ABC President Rev. Dr. Don Ng, “was demonstrative of how he cared for people. He served faithfully on the Board of Educational Ministries, and as President of the Black Caucus of American Baptist Churches he served to ensure that there was a place for everyone at the table. Dr. Jones proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ so much so that Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, named a street after him.”

The Service of Triumph for Rev. Dr. G. Daniel Jones will be held on Monday, June 8 at 11:00 a.m at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Internment will follow the funeral services at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.