Bishop Jones Marks Multiple Anniversaries
Episcopal News Service. January 12, 1989 [89005D]
NEW YORK (DPS, Jan. 12) -- On December 11, 1988, a triple celebration was held at Emmanuel Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, in honor of the Rt. Rev. Harold Jones, retired suffragan of South Dakota and his wife, Blossom. Jones was observing the 50th anniversary of ordination to the diaconate, his 50th wedding anniversary, and his birthday on December 24.
Jones was the first and, for many years, the only bishop of Native American lineage in the Episcopal Church. He was ordained deacon on December 9, 1938, and, five days later, was married.
Jones began his ministry on the Pine Ridge Mission in South Dakota, living first at Christ Church, Red Shirt Table. He spent nine years at Pine Ridge -- serving until 1947, when he was assigned to the Cheyenne River Mission in South Dakota as superintending presbyter. In 1952, Jones returned to Pine Ridge as superintending presbyter.
From 1956 to 1958, Jones served at Trinity Church, Wahpeton, North Dakota, as vicar and director of Christian education for the Protestant children of the Wahpeton Indian School.
Blossom Jones was always a partner in her husband's work with children, teaching in Bureau of Indian Affairs schools and public schools wherever he was serving. The couple have one daughter, Norma.
On September 25, 1971, a special diocesan convention in South Dakota elected Jones suffragan bishop. He was ordained and consecrated bishop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 11, 1972. Ill health forced his retirement in 1976.
Jones and his wife continue to live in Rapid City. They have three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.