By Saul Cooke-Black

FIFTY years ago, a Jehovah’s Witness from Stroud who had spent seven years in solitary confinement in a Chinese jail walked free.

The wife of the late Stanley Jones, Lillian, this week helped the SNJ retell the story of his experiences in China.

In 1947, Mr Jones went as a missionary to Shanghai with colleague, Harold King.

Communist forces took over the country in late 1949.

Mr Jones and Mr King were ordered not to go about their house-to-house ministry, and in October 1958 they were arrested for their religious beliefs.

Mr Jones was sentenced to seven years solitary confinement and Mr King to five years.

The windowless cell occupied by Mr Jones measured only 8ft by 4ft 6in and he had to sleep on the floor.

It was extremely hot in summer and in winter time, with no heating, it was bitterly cold.

He was frequently interrogated and efforts were made to indoctrinate him with Communist teachings.

“I would recall scriptures and relied heavily on prayer,” Mr Jones told the SNJ in 1994.

“I would also try to occupy my mind with upbuilding thoughts and exercises, including translating scriptures into Chinese.”

After walking free in 1965, Mr Jones gave talks around the world about his experiences.

Just weeks after his release he spoke to a crowd of around 35,000 at New York’s Yankee Stadium.

“He was a quiet man but he was a wonderful speaker,” said wife of 21 years Lillian, who met Mr Jones in 1967.

The couple lived happily together in Summer Street, Stroud, after marrying in 1968.