Michael Gresford Jones

This British surname is barrelled, being made up of multiple names. It should be written as Gresford Jones, not Jones.
Confirmation certificate signed by Michael St Albans

Edward Michael Gresford Jones[1] KCVO (called Michael;[2] 21 October 1901 – 7 March 1982) was a Church of England bishop. He was the son of Herbert Gresford Jones who was also a bishop.

He was educated at Rugby School and Trinity College, Cambridge[3] and ordained in 1927,[4] his first post being as a Curate at St Chrysostom's, Victoria Park, Manchester.[5] He was Chaplain at his old college and after this held incumbencies at Fylde and Hunslet.[6] From 1942 to 1950 he was Bishop of Willesden and Rector of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate[7] — he was consecrated a bishop on Lady Day (25 March) at St Paul's Cathedral, though he remained at Leeds until he was instituted to St Botolph's on 30 April.[8] He was translated to St Albans.[9] From 1953 until 1970, he served as Lord High Almoner.[10]

Gresford Jones was enthroned as the 6th Bishop of St Albans on 28 September 1950, where he remained in office until 1970. Renowned for his administrative skills[11] rather than his oratory. His maiden speech was in connection with the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which decriminalised homosexuality, and he subsequently spoke on a variety of issues including, space research, dog licences and Chemical and Biological Warfare.

In retirement he continued to serve the church as an Assistant Bishop within the Diocese of Monmouth until 1978.

  1. ^ NPG details
  2. ^ [1] (Accessed 15 May 2019)
  3. ^ “Who was Who” 1897-2007 London, A & C Black, 2007 ISBN 978-0-19-954087-7
  4. ^ Crockford's Clerical Directory 1940-41, Oxford, OUP, 1941
  5. ^ Church web site
  6. ^ Right Rev E. M. Gresford Jones The Times Tuesday, 9 March 1982; p. 14; Issue 61177; col E
  7. ^ Ecclesiastical News Two Bishops Suffragan Appointed The Times Thursday, 5 March 1942; p. 7; Issue 49176; col D
  8. ^ "Church news". Church Times. No. 4131. 27 March 1942. p. 193. ISSN 0009-658X. Retrieved 28 September 2020 – via UK Press Online archives.
  9. ^ The Times, Friday 9 June 1950; p. 6; Issue 51713; col B New Bishop of St Albans
  10. ^ "No. 39798". The London Gazette. 13 March 1953. p. 1443.
  11. ^ National Archives