Jones Memorial United Methodist Church was organized on September 19, 1960, in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nora.

The Charter Members: *Mrs. Rosie Beard, Mrs. Alice Carroll, *Mr. Charlie Elder, *Mrs. Jewel Elder, Mrs. Marguerite Hall, *Mr. Nash Jones, *Mr. Johnny Morris, Mrs. Mattie Morris, Mrs. *Mary Nickerson,*Mrs. Jessie Nora, *Mr. Waymon Townsend, *Mr. James Volter, Sr., *Mrs. Julia Volter, *Mr. James Volter, Jr., *Mr. Stanley Watson and Mrs. Lela Mae Watson. The first trustees were Charlie Elder, Nash Jones and James Volter, Sr. It was unanimously agreed to name the church “Jones Memorial” in memory of Bishop Robert Jones, the first Negro Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Reverend Dr. J.S. Scott, Sr., who made the initial survey foreseeing the establishment of a Methodist Church in the community was appointed by Bishop Dr. Noah W. Moore, Jr., as the founding pastor. Under the leadership of Dr. Scott, the Sunday School, Women’s Society of Christian Service, Methodist Men’s Club, Methodist Youth Fellowship, Young Adults and Youth and Cherub Choirs were organized. A permanent church building was erected in 1963. Dr. J.S. Scott, Sr. retired in 1975.

Reverend Lewis L. Jackson, Sr. became the second pastor of Jones Memorial. Reverend Jackson established the Children’s Sermon and Homer Williams was the first Laymen from the church congregation to go into the Conference Course of Study to prepare for Parish Ministry. Rev. Jackson tenure ended in 1980.

Reverend Dr. Joseph Cox was appointed as the third pastor of Jones Memorial. Under his leadership Rev. Homer D. Williams completed the Parish Ministry Conference Course, the parking lot was paved and the choir room was enlarged. Rev. Cox’s tenure ended in 1982.

Reverend Louis J. Greer was appointed by the conference next, as the fourth pastor of Jones Memorial. Under his leadership the steeple was placed on top of the church, the St. Stephens Food Pantry was founded, the church van was purchased, and the extension of the sanctuary was completed with the addition of three classrooms. The parking lot was redesigned with provisions for the handicapped, and the first Jones Newsletter was published. The Young Adults presented the church with pew bibles, a tutorial program was initiated, and Jones’ Disciples of Christ Drill Team was organized.

A portrait unveiling ceremony was held in memory of Mrs. Willie Clay Robinson and her husband Lee Robinson. A scholarship fund and endowment was setup in their memory also from the generous provisions of Mrs. Robinson’s will. Mrs. Elnor Boone retired as Choir Director/Musician after 31 years of service and Mrs. Joyce Moore was named Chairperson of Evangelism. Rev. Greer’s tenure ended in 1997.

Reverend Dr. Donald R. Waddleton was appointed pastor in as the fifth pastor of Jones Memorial. Under is leadership a new Mission Statement was developed “Preparing to go and make Disciples of All People” Several ministries evolved including the Apartment Ministry, Van Ministry, Christian Manhood and Womanhood Training Ministry, Performing Arts Ministry, Food Service Ministry, Men’s Prayer Ministry, Sisters of Hannah Prayer Ministry, Prayer Line Ministry, and the Prison Prayer Ministry. A Disciple Class Study began. Morning and evening Bible Study classes were organized and the 8:00 a.m. Worship Service was added. Rev. Gregory Johnson served as Associate Pastor. Our Musicians were Myrna Fleming and Terrance Bell. After the retirement of Mrs. Fleming, Charles Harrison was hired into the music ministry. In 1998, Mr. Phillip Hall was hired as Jones’s Musical Director.  Mr. Lawrence Henderson and Mr. Jacoby Henderson joined the music ministry in 1998 as percussionist. Property for the construction of a larger church building was purchased at the intersection of Almeda–Genoa Road and Hwy 288.  Rev. Waddleton was promoted to District Superintendent of the Houston East District. His tenure ended 2003.

Pastor Lawrence L. Young was appointed as the sixth pastor to Jones Memorial in 2003. An architectural firm was hired and developed plans for the construction of the Jones Memorial multi-purpose center. Pastor Young develop various vision committees to help in the process of each intricate part of planning the new building. Under his leadership, Phase one of a three Phase building vision has been completed. Reverend Homer Williams retired from his pastoral appointment and returned home to Jones where he is Pastor of Pastoral Care. Pastor Ricky Georgetown was appointed to Jones Memorial in 2007 as Associate Pastor. The church is looking forward to continued spiritual and physical growth under the leadership of Pastor Lawrence Young.

Pastor Kenneth Levingston was appointed as the seventh pastor to Jones Memorial United Methodist Church (Jones) on September 1, 2008.  Since being appointed as the Senior Pastor, Jones has grown in many ways.  The church now averages more than 430 in worship each Sunday. During this time more than 30 persons have professed their faith in Jesus Christ for the very first time.  The church has been reorganized to do ministry in the 21^st century that focuses on making disciples of Jesus Christ in the church and the mission field, through acts of witness, service and love. Ministries have been added for individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the Word of God and what it means to live a life worthy of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. To insure new members are assimilated into the life of the church, Pastor Levingston developed a New Members Orientation Class. In the area of Children and Youth Ministries, Pastor Levingston developed and organized a Children’s Church for young people ages 5-11 years old, enriched the Youth Ministry to include summer camps and mission related service projects, organized a Parents’ Council, and enhanced the scholarship committee. Some of his other initiatives are moving the ministries of the church to a more purposeful endeavor to serve the needs of the community through mission driven initiatives to support a food pantry, brown bag lunches, nursing homes, mentoring in an elementary school, Shepherd’s Group, and family relations. In addition, he has added a weekly morning bible study, enhanced the on-line web presence of Jones, and reinstated a bi-monthly Jones newsletter.  Moreover, he is a compassionate pastor, teacher and servant leader who encourages everyone to live out the new commandment of Jesus Christ to, “love one another as I have loved you and by this will all men know that you are my disciples.”

Jones Memorial has been blessed with 50 years of excellent pastoral leadership and congregational support.