Peter Jeffery, born in 1937, embarked on a remarkable journey that transcended the boundaries of time and adversity. At the tender age of 17, in 1955, he encountered a pivotal moment in his life by embracing Christianity, an event that unfolded in stark contrast to his initial declaration, “I will never become a Christian!” His remarkable conversion marked the beginning of a lifelong spiritual odyssey.

Peter’s life took another momentous turn when, at the age of 21, he joined hands in matrimony with his high school sweetheart, Lorna. Their journey as a couple soon bore fruit with the birth of their first child. However, their joy was short-lived as, just nine days after birth, the baby tragically succumbed to spina bifida. This heartbreaking loss would become a catalyst for Peter’s divine calling.

Despite having already preached since the age of 18, it was this profound personal tragedy that propelled Peter into God’s service. In 1963, he was ordained to the ministry and subsequently served as the Minister at Ebenezer Congregational Church in Cwmbran, Wales. His ministry continued to flourish when, in 1972, he answered the call to Rugby Evangelical Free Church, where he faithfully served until 1986.

Peter’s spiritual journey led him to Bethlehem Evangelical Church in Port Talbot, South Wales, affectionately known as ‘Sandfields,’ a place once graced by the ministry of the renowned Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Peter served as pastor there from 1986 to 1994. Following his time at Bethlehem, Peter embarked on an itinerant ministry of preaching and evangelism, taking him to churches and conferences worldwide.

In 1985, Peter faced a life-altering challenge when he experienced his first heart attack, followed by a quadruple bypass operation in 1992. Undaunted by these health setbacks, he remained steadfast in his ministry. However, in 1995, a second heart attack compelled him to retire from full-time work and his itinerant ministry. Despite this, he continued to share his wisdom and faith by preaching locally on most Sundays and channeling his energy into writing books.

Peter Jeffery’s literary legacy is nothing short of prolific, with over 100 articles and books spanning a diverse range of topics. His work has graced esteemed publications such as Early Music History, Studia Liturgica, Jewish Quarterly Review, Theological Studies, and The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages. Notably, his early article, “The Introduction of Psalmody into the Roman Mass by Pope Celestine I (422-432),” published in Archiv für Liturgiewissenschaft, earned him the prestigious Alfred Einstein Award from the American Musicological Society. In 1994, Volume 1 of his collaborative effort, “Ethiopian Christian Liturgical Chant” with Kay Kaufman Shelemay of Harvard University, garnered the Paul Revere Award for Graphic Excellence from the Music Publishers’ Association. In 2006, his book “Translating Tradition” received an Honorable Mention in the “Liturgy” category from the Catholic Press Association.

On August 10, 2017, Peter Jeffery peacefully passed away, surrounded by his loving family. His remarkable ministry spanned more than five decades, during which he authored over forty books, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. These works often revolved around themes of nurturing new Christians, establishing the foundations of faith, evangelism, and the profound concept of salvation. Two of his notable titles, “Windows of Truth” and “Stepping-Stones: A New Testament Guide for Beginners,” were published by the Trust and have even been made available in Spanish as “De Piedra en Piedra.”

Peter left behind a loving family, including his devoted wife and three married children, as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy continues to resonate in the hearts and minds of those touched by his unwavering faith and dedication to the Gospel.