Archdeacon of Hertford to retire in late 2016

The Venerable Dr Trevor Jones, the first Archdeacon of Hertford, is to retire on 31 August, the Diocese of St Albans has announced. The Archdeaconry of Hertford was created in 1997 from part of the Archdeaconry of St Albans.

Dr Jones came to the Diocese in 1997, having previously had a distinguished ministry in Hereford Diocese, where he was Warden of the Bishop Mascall Centre Ludlow, the Diocesan Education and Conference Centre. He was subsequently a Team Rector as well as an Officiating Chaplain to the Military and a Prebendary of Hereford Cathedral.

During his nineteen years in St Albans Diocese, Dr Jones has advised the Council for Discipleship and Ministry as well as holding other roles connected with theological education: he was Chair of the St Albans and Oxford Ministry Course, is currently Vice-Chair of the Eastern Region Ministry Course Council, a former Chair of the Hockerill Educational Foundation and a Council Member of the Cambridge Theological Federation.

Alongside an abiding enthusiasm for ministry in rural areas, he has a passion for effective missional strategies. In 2014, he received a doctorate in Theology and Ministry (DThM) from Durham University, for his research project on ‘The role of the bishop and his staff team in the formation of strategy for missional ministry’. The project, which he did part-time over six years alongside his other arduous duties, included four in-depth studies into the dioceses of Derby, Exeter, Ripon and Leeds and St Albans. This included interviewing the Bishops and members of their staff teams.

Paying tribute to him, the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, said: “By the time he retires this summer, Trevor Jones will have served as Archdeacon of Hertford for nearly 19 years – which is almost half of his ordained ministry. Rooted in prayer, he has carried out his duties with professionalism and with flair. Trevor has a great eye for detail, being an expert in ecclesiastical law, whilst also keeping the ‘big picture’ before us all. This was shown in his doctoral research on diocesan strategic plans. Trevor’s ministry has also been worked out with a deep concern for the pastoral care of those in the archdeaconry and many people are grateful for his compassion and support. He and Sue will be greatly missed.”

Speaking about his forthcoming retirement, Dr Jones said: “It is a great privilege to serve St Albans diocese as Archdeacon of Hertford and I will greatly miss many good colleagues, friends and the diverse communities here. But I can now begin to look forward to more time with family and friends, after retirement in the estuary village of Lympstone between Exeter and Exmouth where we shall live. Meanwhile, it will be business as usual with much to do, not least assisting and supporting parishes in vacancy!”

Dr Jones is married to Sue, formerly Head of Religious Studies at Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School.

It is intended that there will be a farewell for Dr and Mrs Jones in HERTFORD on 25^th June, details to be confirmed at a later date.