The guys at Solent City have long known that their colleague Kevin Jones is a committed Christian. We’ve sung at his Church – the Church of the Good Shepherd in Waterlooville; we’ve watched him performing in his “Puppet Ministry” for children; we know that he’s an active lay preacher; and some of us have even listened to his show on Portsmouth QA Hospital radio.
But what none of us knew until recently was that in between all these activities – not to mention singing with Solent City Chorus and running his own full-time business – in between all this….that Kevin has been studying to become a Priest in the Church of England.
Kevin says that he first embarked on the process towards ordination some 12 years ago. Initially unsuccessful, he persevered and in recent years has been studying hard and receiving training in the various skills required of a Priest. All the hard work and dedication paid off, and a couple of months ago Kevin was able to announce his good news to the rest of the chorus.
The big day was on 29 th June in Portsmouth Cathedral, when Kevin was Ordained as a Deacon by the Bishop of Portsmouth during an impressive and moving ceremony. The Reverend Kevin Jones – as he now is – will serve as a Deacon in the Parish of Southsea St Simon for around a year, before becoming a fully-fledged Priest.
Speaking on behalf of the chorus, Music Director Steve Morris says that all the guys are thrilled for Kevin and very proud to sing with him: “He’s one of life’s good guys, and we’re full of admiration for everything he does and everything he’s achieved. The “Rev Kev” (as he’s already been nicknamed) is going to get a wonderful and heartfelt welcome back onto the risers at our next rehearsal.”