Gresford Jones

Herbert Gresford Jones (1870-1958), an influential Anglican bishop, left an indelible mark as the third Suffragan Bishop of Warrington, yet his legacy is also intertwined with the complex issues surrounding missionary endeavors. Born on April 7, 1870, he received his education at Haileybury and Trinity College, Cambridge. He was ordained in 1894. He initiated

his vocation as a curate at St. Helen’s Parish Church in Sefton, subsequently taking on leadership positions at St. Michael’s-in-the-Hamlet in Liverpool and St. John’s. His career ascended swiftly, progressing through roles such as Rural Dean of Bradford and later Archdeacon of Sheffield.

In 1920, Jones assumed the position of the inaugural suffragan bishop of Kampala, though he returned to England in 1923 to become the Vicar of Pershore. His ecclesiastical journey led him to the role of Bishop of Warrington from 1927 to 1945. A staunch supporter of international church connections, he retired after 18 years of service and passed away on June 22, 1958. Notably, his son, Michael Gresford Jones, also followed in his footsteps, becoming a Bishop as well.

While celebrated as a staunch advocate of international church connections, it is vital to recognize that the history of missionary efforts is fraught with tensions and critiques. Jones’s 18 years of service were marked not only by dedication but also by the need to grapple with the broader implications of such endeavors.

This new edition is dedicated to Professor Cynthia L. Robinson, Chair of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, leader in an expanding field.