Way back in 1981, when Peggy Marshall finally convinced Ed Jones to ask her to marry him, she faced a dilemma. The Presbyterian Church, lovely as it is, had no center aisle – unfortunate for the procession of extroverted brides. So Peggy chose Ed’s church, and became an architectural Episcopalian. It has been a successful marriage of over 30 years, growing in richness and depth
She has been involved in a wide variety of parish activities. Her favorites include helping as an overnight volunteer in the “Family Room” (now Sydnor Hall) on the first night of the Fredericksburg Homeless Shelter, mentoring and teaching teenagers, spending eight years in EFM (four as a student, four as a co-mentor), participating in the birth and extraordinary success of the Flower Guild and working with the 2013 kitchen renovation. In 2016, Peggy is advising the youth floor renovation.
Since joining St. George’s in the 1970s, Ed Jones has been active in a number of roles in the parish.
Ed served on the Vestry in 4 crucial time periods – 3 times as Senior Warden- 1987-89 serving as Senior Warden in 1989, 1992-1994 serving as Senior Warden 1993-94, 1998-2000, resigning in 2000 and finally 2008-2010, serving as Senior Warden in 2010.
He has also chaired the Outreach Commission as well as the Rector Search Committee in 2003. Finally, he also chaired the Adult Christian Education Committee.
At the diocesan level, Ed led the Resolutions Committee for several years. He also served on the Transition Committee for our new bishop coadjutor as well as the committee to develop blessings for same sex unions. Ed served on the regional level as President of Region One in 2011 and 2012. His service was noted for functions with all bishops, reviving the Region One dinners and increasing connection to youth. At the national level, Ed has edited Center Aisle, the Diocese of Virginia’s daily newspaper since 2000. He has been particularly interested in the ministry of reconciliation.
Ed was the editor of The Free Lance-Star newspaper for 12 years where he has worked for 48 years since starting as an intern in 1965. He also served as managing editor, editorial page editor, film critic, radio host, political reporter and columnist. He has led several national journalism organizations and served for three years as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. He retired from the Free Lance-Star in 2013 and soon became secretary and chief of staff at the Diocese of Virginia. Also in 2013 Ed became a deacon in the Episcopal Church and has served at St. Mary’s Episcopal, Colonial Beach. In 2016, he became a regional deacon for Region One churches in King George, Caroline and Essex counties.