He built the Union Gospel Tabernacle, later known as the Ryman Auditorium, a live performance venue and National Historic Landmark in Nashville, which is named in his honor.

[5] At its peak, his Nashville-based fleet consisted of more than 30 boats, making him one of the most successful steamboat men on the Cumberland River.

[6] Ryman had attended one of Jones' 1885 revivals with the intent to heckle, but was instead converted into a devout Christian, and soon after pledged to build the tabernacle.

Jones spoke at the service and once more proposed changing the Tabernacle's name to the Ryman Auditorium.

According to The Nashville American's December 26, 1904, account of the service, "as one person, the thousands who heard him were on their feet.