The Men in Back

Many of you may often wonder, "What's the story behind the guys sitting in the last pew." Some of our most humble and wise members have reserved seating in that pew; earned through faithful attendance every Sunday. You have most likely encountered Brother Art Jones, if not in person, then mentioned in conversation. He joined the Huntington Beach 1st ward with his wife Dolores and son in 1963. Brother Jones grew up in Idaho. He is a military man and served our country in World War II. When asked what brought him to California, he matter-of-factly stated, "my car brought me." All joking aside, it was the Airbase that brought him to California. He lived in San Gabriel Valley with his family, until his son started having lung problems at about age 9 due to the smog. It was decided that Huntington Beach, with its fresh ocean air, was a good place to live as it was also near an Airbase. Dolores was not a member of the church when they married and Art comments that it was not through any effort of his own that she was converted. Nevertheless, she was converted about a year prior to their move to Huntington Beach.

When asked about his fondest callings, he comments that he has been the Ward Clerk for ages (about 11 years) and prior to that he was the Ward Secretary for ages (about 10 years). He also was called to serve in two Stake Missions. Brother Jones recalls when there were 1000 members in the ward in the 17th street building (maybe he is trying to tell us something... get to work on your member missionary skills). For some time he was also in charge of gathering fast offerings. In the beginnings of the HB 1st ward, because the boundaries reached so far (out toward Long Beach, Garden Grove and Santa Ana), it was late evening before everyone returned with the fast offerings.

Brother Jones has fascinating ancestry, many of whom are great examples of stalwart and faithful servants of the Lord. He remembers his grandparents, who lived to see their 100th birthday when Brother Jones was an adult. They crossed the plains from Nauvoo to Salt Lake. His grandmother was LDS, however, his grandfather was not converted until some time after they crossed the plains. She must have been a woman of great influence to bring her husband along on such a journey. Brother Jones' great grandfather on his mothers side was a body guard for Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Brother Jones shares the story of the trials that were encountered by Brigham Young after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. The saints were having difficulty knowing with a surety that Brigham Young was to be the Prophet. His great grandfather was present in a meeting during which all who were present saw the Prophet Joseph in Brigham Young's countenance, thereby sealing their knowledge of his true calling by the Lord.

Brother Jones tries to present himself as uninteresting. However, the ward family knows better. The Huntington Beach 1st Ward knows that he has been instrumental in building the foundation of the ward. We look forward to seeing him in that back pew each Sunday. He is such a great example to all; rain or shine he is there.