The United Reformed Church (URC) is sad to announce the death of the Revd David Marshall-Jones OBE, former National Scout Chaplain.
The Church learned about David’s death on 1 March and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
David served the URC in a variety of roles: from serving in local churches, Synod, to supporting denomination-wide children’s and youth work.
After joining the Scouts as a youngster, he stepped into leadership in 1959 and remained involved at company and county level for decades.
In 1969, David served The United Reformed Church Guide and Scout Fellowship (URCGSF) and its predecessor as Chair.
David was honoured by the Scouts with the Silver Acorn in 1989, and the Silver Wolf in 2005 – the Scout’s highest award. David also received an OBE in 1996.
In 2000, he took up the role of URC National Scout Chaplain and carried out the role alongside his roles of Chair of URCGSF and Volunteer Manager of the URCGSF National Scout Active Support Unit. David served in the role until he retired in 2021, when he was made a Life President at a service at Caterham URC.
Dr Sam Richards, Head of Children’s and Youth Work, said: “The URC has much to be grateful in David.
“His dedication and passion for the Scouts and Guides were second to none. He has made a huge difference to the lives of children and young people within the URC and beyond over many decades, serving on a real missional frontline.
“We thank God for working through David to support the Guides and Scouts through local churches, encouraging scouting to keep its connection to faith, and providing young people with many opportunities to develop their character, interests, fun and friendships.
“David’s presence and support for children’s and youth work will be sorely missed.”