Library History

Two distinguished Christians who came to Oak Ridge in 1951 after spending fourteen fruitful years in missionary service at Soochow and Nanking Universities in China, chose to identify their latter years with First United Methodist Church.

Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Jones (nee Eunice Vaughn) poured their personalities and resources into the task of enlarging the vision of this congregation in supporting a remarkable variety of mission projects.

It is fitting to honor Dr. Jones and memorialize his wife by designating our rapidly growing library "The Eunice and Ernest Jones Library of First United Methodist Church." This cherished and exemplary couple knew that their usefulness to their generation and the generation coming after them depended on combining disciplined learning with ever-deepening devotion to Christ. They furnished their minds with ideas and perspectives that blended classical and contemporary thought. They were as "at home" in the classroom as in the sanctuary, in the laboratory as at the altar, with a book as with a friend, with secular change as with spiritual renewal.

In remembering in perpetuity what they have done, we not only honor them but ourselves as well!

Reprinted from the first Dedication Service, March 1, 1970.

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