Community Corner

Rev. Arthur T. Jones Dead at 65

The founder of Carrollwood's Bible-Based Fellowship Church died over the weekend.

Members of Carrollwood’s Bible-Based Fellowship Church are mourning the loss of their leader.

The Rev. Arthur T. Jones died Saturday, May 4 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Jones announced to his 4811 Ehrlich Road congregation that he was ill during the Dec. 31, 2010, New Year’s Eve service. Church members kept the mission going, making sure Jones’ church had a positive impact on the Tampa Bay area.

On the day he died, representatives of his ministry were staging a conference on health care while others served meals to the homeless at downtown Tampa’s Salvation Army, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"He was a visionary leader, not only for his church, but also for our community," the Times quoted former Hillsborough County Commissioner Thomas Scott, also a pastor, as saying.

Jones’ 2010 announcement came via a video feed at the end of the New Year’s Eve worship service.

Find out what's happening in Carrollwood-Northdalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"He didn't indicate what type (of cancer), but he said he was working with doctors and had been in the hospital for a while," said Delma Fryer at the time of Jones' announcement. Fryer has been attending the church since it began more than 20 years ago.

Jones, who led the Florida Mass Choir, not only placed an emphasis on community outreach, he also brought controversial figures to the church to speak, including the Rev. Al Sharpton.

Bible-Based Fellowship Church will host a viewing from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 9. The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. May 10. Both services are open to the public, according to the Times.

What do you remember most about the Rev. Jones? Share your memories and your condolences to the family by commenting below.

Keep up with all things Carrollwood and Northdale by signing up for our daily newsletter!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Carrollwood-Northdale