THE Birds, the Bees and the AMEs is the title of a book written by a prominent preacher, builder and author in the AME Church.

The Rev. Arthur S. Jones, 81, says the book is a departure from the six other books he has written over the years, which have gained critical acclaim by his fellow preachers and lay persons alike, writes Ira Philip.

This book is a humorous look at the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

"I wrote it as a tribute to some ministers who have passed on, the Rev. L.S. Odom, Rev. Watts and Rev.Coleman, all of whom served in Bermuda like me. We promised each other that one of us would write a book of humour relating to life in the church. It has fallen my lot to do it," said Rev. Jones.

The title derives from a phrase Rev. Jones said he picked up while serving in Bermuda from 1957-61. It originated with someone whose name he did not remember, but it stuck with him over the half century.

"I was struck by it because it is comical, yet profound and has a ring of originality," he said, adding that he took the usual meaning "the birds and the bees" as resembling a father giving his young son the facts of life.

"I took it as comical, given the facts of life in the AME Church. It pokes fun at the ministers, bishops, presiding elders, missionaries and lay persons in an affectionate way."

The book is made up of episodes any 'AME' would recognise as being typical of things that take place at the annual conference level, general conference and local church level.

It is a sequel to one of his other books, Life in the AME Church.

"I think it is funny, it has to be taken as humour."

In addition to getting the inspiration in Bermuda for the title to his latest book, Rev. Jones came to the island last month to put the finishing touches to the manuscript. He checked into Oxford Guest House, while Erma, his wife of 61 years, and a friend stayed at the nearby Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

"There is something about Bermuda that calls forth the writing muse. I have done a great deal of writing in Bermuda. Of the six books I have authored four were partially written in Bermuda," he said.

Asked which of those books was his favourite, Rev. Jones said the one that won the most critical praise from his peers is called Thinking about Paul. It was not necessarily his favourite, but it is among ministers.

The book that was hardest to write was Thinking about Jesus. It is an examination of the life, ministry, divinity and humanity of Jesus. It was a challenge.

Rev. Jones first came to Bermuda in 1957 to be pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Somerset.

During his four-year tenure, he built the two-storey youth and community centre at the church.

He was accompanied by his wife and their two sons, Arthur and Joseph. The boys attended the Berkeley Institute while here.

Neither has followed his footsteps in the ministry. He said they went the other way, into the arts and music, and have produced his three grandchildren.

Rev. Jones went into retirement after eight years at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Richmond, Virginia.

While there he built a two-and-half-million-dollar educational annex to the church.