In terms of physique Malcolm Jones was not a big man, but in terms of the graces the Holy Spirit poured into his life he was a great man. He was a man in whose heart the word of God found a place, and reproduced itself in an abundance of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. It is this which made him such an attractive personality, and which won the respect of so many in and around the community of Maesycwmmer, the love of his congregation, the appreciation his fellow ministers, and so many others who benefited from his preaching ministry.

Malcolm was the faithful minister of the word to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for thirty-seven years, during which time, by constant attention to preaching and prayer, he built a congregation from what remained of the ashes of theological liberalism. In that he stood shoulder to shoulder with a generation of men, such as John Thomas, Hugh Morgan and Derek Swann, raised up by God and thrust into the ministry during that period of our history, to which evangelical Christians in Wales owe an enormous debt.

He was a studious man with a keen theological mind, but always humble and self-effacing. He served the wider cause of the gospel in various capacities through The Evangelical Movement of Wales; he instructed students at The Evangelical Theological College of Wales; and in retirement he was in great demand as a preacher, and as a wise counsellor to younger ministers of the word, to whom he was unstinting in support and encouragement.   

In retirement he was a model church member, exemplifying all he had taught the congregation to be: faithful at public worship, delighting in the word of God, eager to be at the prayer meeting and to pray, considerate of his fellow church members; utterly loyal and supportive, kind and gracious.

However, it would be a gross distortion of his character to suggest that his service to the church had first place in his affections. That rightly belonged to Barbara, his wife and helpmeet of fifty-two years, and to his son, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Anne; and granddaughters, Michaela and Carys. He was devoted to his family and took delight in them; and they were equally devoted to him, and unfailing in their care of him, particularly through the difficulties and frustrations of his final illness.

I do not know another minister for whom I have greater esteem. He lived with eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth written upon his lips, and the world behind his back. I am honoured that he counted me his pastor and friend. I wish he could have been with us longer.

David George