Rev. Jones married Julia Campbell of New London in September of 1835, and because of his wife’s delicate health, they moved to Virginia where Rev. Jones spent six months at Union Theological Seminary. He then preached in a church near Cincinnati. Returning to the East, he supplied the pulpit of a church in New London and was asked to stay, but he refused the call of that church.
After preaching to the people of Southington twice, he received a request to preach again two more times and was asked to become the pastor of this church.
Rev. Jones accepted and was ordained in June of 1837. He served this church until his death 35 years later.
Rev. jones met with no less controversy and dissension than did his predeccessors. He served during the time of the Civil War when many families and friends were divided by beliefs. This was probably the most difficult of his problems, but our town was also growing, and many new people came to settle; businesses grew, four new churches formed, and new schools were built. This was clearly a period of rapid growth and change which began occurring shortl y after Rev. Jones was settled in town. In 1865, sixty-three members of the church requested permission to be dismissed to form a church at Plantsville. This greatly disturbed Rev. Jones, and it is said he never was able to be cordial to the project.
Shortly sfter settling in Southington, Rev. Jones was confronted with the highly controversial temperance movement, which left many strongly divided factions to be reckoned with. Many peole in his parish were engaged either in the manufacturing or sale of liquor; many believed in temperance, and still many more believe in complete abstinence. The latter group also objected to the use of real wine for communion. Rev. Jones was clearly put into a position of deciding the whole issue. He sought counsel fron other pastors, and the opinions of teachers at both Andover and Yale. It is said that with one sermon so honest in spirit and masterly in logic, he was able to settle the whole matter. It is said that this was clearly the ablest sermon Rev. Jones ever preached.
The following are but a few of the more important issues which confronted Rev. Jones. He was serving here during a period of great and rapid change, which would have tried any man. Rev. Jones handled all of these problems with an honest desire for peace.
Rev. Jones continued as pastor of this church until he died. While giving a sermon at the grave of a dear friend, Rev, Jones became ill. He died in March of 1872 and is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.