The Rev. Dr. Timothy Jones, East Mt. Airy resident and pastor of the Ebenezer Full Gospel Church, 2210 Belmont Ave. in the city's Overbrook section, has held his share of jobs over the years — U.S. Army sergeant, computer programmer, teacher, duty manager for Delta Airlines — but one feels drawn to add yet another occupation to the list. Jones, 75, quietly weaves a stronger Northwest.

Jones, who worked for Delta for 29 years in positions that sometimes brought him face to face with irate travelers, looked forward to leisure after his 2002 retirement, but community concerns led him a different direction. “I anticipated slowing down, but I find myself busier than ever, seeking ways to boost the area’s quality of life,” said Jones, who’s lived in Philadelphia since 1965 and has three grown daughters and one grown son.

Jones had an early example of the power of a close-knit community in his birthplace, Plains, Georgia, home of former President Jimmy Carter. “We lived right across the street from the Carters until I was four years old,” Jones said. “My oldest sister and Lillian Carter used to play together. It was a small town where people cooperated. Sometimes Miss Lillian attended the Black church. The Carters owned the store and other businesses, so no one was going to touch her.”

Jones rolled up his sleeves by becoming captain of three blocks  — 7800 Stenton Ave, 900 E. Hortter St. and 900 E. Phil-Ellena St., which form three sides of a square — under the sponsorship of the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC), a division of the Department of Streets. “In 2016, the 900 block of E. Phil-Ellena won second place in PMBC’s annual contest as Philadelphia’s most beautiful block. 

Block captains, volunteers who rally their neighbors to keep the block clean, rake leaves and plant community gardens on vacant lots, “… don’t get a dime for what they do...,” said Dawn Woods, administrator of PMBC.  Woods noted that it’s rare to have volunteers who serve on more than one block.

“I see the fruits of my labor when we come together and cooperate on projects,” Jones said. “We worked together to have a faded street sign replaced. Recently, a tree fell in a storm and blocked the driveway behind our homes where many of us park. When I asked five men to help remove it, all of them said yes. One of them even had the necessary saw to cut tree limbs.” Jones found that response heartening. “It shows our unity.”    

Serving as block captain isn’t always a warm and fuzzy experience. “Some things, say, music that’s too loud or illegally parked vehicles oppose the quality of life,” Jones said. “In that case, I talk with the leader of the group.” Sometimes dumpsters pose a problem. “They can remain only for a certain period of time. Otherwise, people throw garbage in them, and they begin to smell. I always talk with the people involved, so they have a chance to remedy the situation.” As a last resort, he calls Licenses and Inspection.      

Jones also helps ensure the area’s well being as leader of the 50th Ward. “Ward leaders are the eyes and ears of City Councilmembers,” he said, in his case, Cherelle Parker. “Ward leaders help keep Councilmembers informed about potential issues. The councilwoman lets us know about programs and services available. For example, she tells seniors about food vouchers and what they need in order to receive one. Right now we’re knocking on doors and distributing flyers to get out the vote.”

Jones is also completing the paperwork to become a police chaplain for the 14th District, which serves Mt. Airy. “That could mean working to soften animosity between the police and members of the community by accompanying officers on foot or in patrol cars. I sometimes offer prayer or sympathy when a crime has taken place.”

Jones’ efforts contribute to a more welcoming environment in East Mt. Airy, which he finds rewarding, but he also finds it fulfilling to see people’s inner lives change. “What’s most satisfying is seeing people heal through the power of prayer,” he said, “for example, seeing alcoholics give up the bottle.” Somehow, he finds time to also engaged in one-on-one counseling.

So the days of leisure will have to wait. “I didn’t retire to be this busy, but I’m glad to help serve the needs of my neighbors to help ensure a good quality of life for us all.”

For more information, visit decministry.org