Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 228/07

BIRTH BICENTENARY CELEBRATIONS OF THOMAS JONES I INAUGURATED

The Birth Bicentenary celebrations of Thomas Jones I which coincides with the 3rd Biennial meeting of the KJP Assembly was inaugurated today by the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, Rev. Dr John Tudno Williams at the Pynthorumkhrah Presbyterian Church, Shillong in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr D D Lapang, his cabinet colleagues and church elders of the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly. The inaugural function was presided by the Moderator KJP Assembly, Rev S B Nongbet.

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, Rev. Dr John Tudno Williams unveiled a commemorative plaque of the KJP Assembly to mark the commencement of the Birth Bicentenary celebrations of Thomas Jones I. The Chief Minister, Dr Lapang hoisted a flag to mark the commencement of the celebration. The KJP Assembly has organized the programme with a view to remind the people of the contributions made by Thomas Jones I towards enlightening the people about the Gospel and the enrichment of the Khasi language.

Rev. Dr John Tudno Williams in his speech said that he is proud that a Welsh missionary by the name of Thomas Jones I is fondly remembered by the people of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. He express his gladness that Thomas Jones I, besides spreading the message of the Gospel in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills has also introduced the Khasi Alphabets where the people can express their mother tongue in writing. He said that Thomas Jones I has also been a connecting link of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills with Wales. He hopes that the friendly ties would continue especially in spreading the message of the Gospel.

Dr Lapang in his brief speech lauded the KJP Assembly for organizing the commemorative event and said that it is one way of reminding and making the younger generations aware of the contributions made by Thomas Jones I in bringing the Gospel to the Khasi and Jaintia Hills and as the Architect of Khasi language. He said that the Government is making all efforts to make the Khasi language as an official associate language in the State and also to include it in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution where it will be recognized throughout the country. He said that this effort will be one way of recognizing the contributions made by Thomas Jones I.

Others who spoke on the occasion were the President, Khasi Authors Society, Mr S S Majaw and Rev D E Syiem. Earlier Rev (Dr) J F Jyrwa delivered the welcome address while the Chairperson of the Jingiaseng Kynthei KJP Assembly, Mrs W Diengdoh read verses from the Bible and led a prayer.

Dr Lapang also released a book on the life and works of Rev Thomas Jones I on the occasion.