Biographical Information
19
Lewis Bayly d 1631 Church of England bishop, Bayly is thought to have been born in either Carmarthen or, possibly, Biggar, Scotland. Curate at Carmarthen, Thomas Bayly, may have been his father. Oxford educated, Lewis became vicar of Evesham, Worcestershire and later, probably in 1604, rector of St Matthew, Friday Street. He was then chaplain to Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales, and was later chaplain to King James I, who, 1616, appointed him Bishop of Bangor. Bayly was an ardent Puritan. He died in Bangor. His fame rests on his book The Practice of Piety, directing a Christian how to walk that he may please God (first edition date unknown; 3d ed, London, 1613). It reached its 74th edition 1821 and has been translated into many other languages. One of the two books which John Bunyan's wife brought with her. It was by reading it that Bunyan was first spiritually awakened.
Walter Cradoc(k) c 1606–1659 With John Miles, Vavasor Powell and Morgan Llwyd, a leading Welsh Puritan. First an Anglican, he founded, with William Wroth, at Llanvaches, the first Independent church in Wales, 1638. Later he became a Baptist. Born at Trefela, near Llangwm, Monmouthshire, he probably went to Oxford before becoming curate at Peterston-Super-Ely. In 1633, he became Erbery's curate at nearby St Mary's, Cardiff. Cradock and Wroth were reported for unorthodox preaching and refusal to read the Book of Sports. From late 1634 he spent almost a year preaching in Wrexham, where he saw Llwyd converted. Next he was in the Welsh borders, where he met Powell. In 1639, he came under the protection of Sir Robert Harley at Brampton Bryan but moved on to Llanfair Waterdine to lead an Independent congregation. With the advent of civil war, they joined the Broadmead Independents Church, Bristol. In 1643, royalist forces occupied Bristol and some moved to London. Cradock and Henry Jessey preached at All-Hallows-the-Great. In 1641 Cradock was one of the preachers sent to Wales by the Long Parliament. They formed a tight and effective group until the mid-1650s. Their authority was renewed twice, with funding. Cradock and others were to preach in Welsh, something he had done in 1645, to captured royalist Welshmen after Naseby. One of the “Welsh saints” who commanded the troops of Thomas Harrison with Powell and Jenkin Jones. Later became a regular preacher to the Barebones Parlament. Opposed Powell's anti-Cromwell pamphlet The Word of God and, with most Welsh Puritans, supported Cromwell. Appears to have lived out his days back in Llangwm.
Thomas Charles 1755-1814 Calvinistic Methodist preacher of considerable importance. His influence is still felt and he is rightly claimed as one of the makers of modern Wales. A preacher and educator, he was a key figure in the Welsh Methodist Revival and was instrumental in the creation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. After being ordained an Anglican priest, his evangelical views made him unpopular with the church establishment and in 1784 he joined the Methodist movement in Bala. He established a system of "circulating" Sunday schools to teach children and adults to read in their native Welsh, vastly increasing literacy rates across Wales. The famous story of Mary Jones, the girl who walked 26 miles to Bala to obtain a Bible, deeply inspired him. Her determination led him to advocate for more affordable Bibles, which resulted in the formation of the BFBS 1804. He edited the society's first edition of the Welsh Bible and also wrote influential Welsh catechisms and a Bible dictionary in Welsh. Remembered for his dedication to evangelism and education and his efforts to provide Scripture for the common people. His work had a profound and lasting impact on the religious and cultural life of Wales.
Thomas Rhys Davies 1790-1859 Born Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, a Baptist minister. In 1811 he visited North Wales and was persuaded by Christmas Evans to stay. There he served the circuit of Llansanffraid Glan Conwy and Rowen, Denbighshire. He quarrelled with the Glanwydden church 1820 and left the Baptists to join the Wesleyans. Returned, however, to his old denomination some years later. Married Ann Foulks of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos 1814. The following year the two nearly drowned in a river. Died in Swansea.
Thomas Charles Edwards 1837-1900 Born Llanycil, Bala, the son of Lewis Edwards, founder of Bala Theological College and great grandson, through his mother, of Thomas Charles. Educated in Bala and Oxford where he was deeply influenced by Mark Pattison and Benjamin Jowet, keeping in touch with them from then on. Began preaching with the Presbyterian Church of Wales 1856, being influenced by the 1859 revival. Became a minister in Liverpool 1867 and was considered one of the leading preachers of his day. In 1872 the new university at Aberystwyth was founded and he was appointed principal. It was destroyed by fire 1885 and he collected £25,000 towards rebuilding. He resigned 1891 to become head of Bala Theological College. Married Mary Roberts 1876. They had four children. Weakened by a stroke 1894, he continued to work until his death in Bala.
John Elias 1774-1841 Exceptionally powerful preacher, 10,000 hearers once gathered to hear him. A High-Calvinist, he stoutly defended the doctrine of election when attacked. Called the Methodist Pope by some he rejected the idea that the people's voice is God's voice. Born Abererch, near Pwllheli, he was brought up mainly by his grandfather. Rare then, he was early able to read in Welsh or English. Attended the parish church then sought out Methodist preachers to hear. The Bala Association of 1792 had quite an impact. Went to live with Griffith Jones, a local preacher, in Caernarvon, where his abilities were soon noticed. Set apart to the ministry when only 20. Known before as Jones, he became Elias to save confusion. Made rapid progress as a preacher, having an intense passion for work and great oratorical gifts. Moved to Anglesey 1799. Married to Elizabeth Broadhead of Lanbadrig, they were together until she died 1828. Two children died in infancy, two survived their father. Remarried 1830 and moved to Llangefni, where he remained until his death and burial, Llanfaes Churchyard. Wrote several theological tomes in Welsh and an autobiography, published long after his death. Often contributed the denominational magazine Y Drysorfa.
Benjamin Francis 1734-1799 Born West Wales, son of a Baptist preacher, he was baptised by immersion aged 15 and began to preach aged 19. Studied Bristol Baptist College and commenced his ministry at Sodbury but in 1757 removed to Horsley (also known as Shortwood), Gloucestershire. There he remained, through a happy and very successful ministry of 42 years. Author of many poetical compositions, including Conflagration, a Poem in Four Parts 1770; elegies on the deaths of the Revs George Whitefield, Caleb Evans, Robert Day and Joshua Thomas; The Association, a Poem 1790; a Poetical Address to the Stockbridge Indians and probably two satirical pieces on the baptismal controversy, The Salopian Zealot and The Oracle, the former passing through several editions and being reprinted in America.
Ann Griffiths (née Thomas) 1776–1805 Poet and hymn writer in Welsh, born near Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, six miles (10 km) from Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire. Daughter of John Evan Thomas, a tenant farmer and churchwarden, and his wife, Jane, she had two older sisters, an older brother, John, and a younger, Edward. Her parents' farmhouse, Dolwar Fechan, was very isolated, some two and a half miles (4 km) south of Llanfihangel and a mile (1.6 km) north of Dolanog, set among hills and streams. (Nearby was Pennant Melangell, where St Melangell lived as a hermit in the 6th century). Ann was brought up in the Anglican church but in 1794, aged 18, her mother died and about this time or perhaps earlier, she followed her brothers into the Calvinistic Methodists. She joined a CM church 1796 after hearing Benjamin Jones Pwllheli. After the deaths of both parents, she married Thomas Griffiths, a farmer from Meifod and a CM elder. Died after childbirth August 1805, aged 29. Buried at Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa. Left a handful of stanzas in Welsh preserved and published by her mentor, CM minister, John Hughes Pontrobert and his wife, Ruth, who had been a maid at Ann's farm and a close confidante. Her poems express her fervent Christian faith and reflect her incisive intellect and thorough scriptural knowledge. The pre-eminent female hymn writer in Welsh. Her work is regarded as a highlight of Welsh literature. Saunders Lewis described her longest poem Rhyfedd, rhyfedd gan angylion ... (Wondrous, wondrous to angels ...) as "one of the majestic songs in the religious poetry of Europe". Her hymn Wele'n sefyll rhwng y myrtwydd is commonly sung (to Cwm Rhondda). A musical about her was televised 2004.
Christmas Evans 1766-1838 For some "the greatest preacher that the Baptists have ever had in Great Britain". Born near Llandysul, Cardiganshire, his shoemaker father died early and he grew up an illiterate farm labourer, losing an eye fighting in his teens. At 17, he became servant to Presbyterian minister, David Davies. Influenced by a revival then in progress, he learned to read and write in English and Welsh. Heard itinerant Calvinistic Methodist preachers and joined the Baptists in Llandysul and began to preach. In 1789 he went to North Wales. He first preached in the remote Llŷn Peninsula, then in Llangefni, Anglesey, building up a strong Baptist community, modelled to an extent on Calvinistic Methodism. Many new chapels were built, money being collected on preaching tours to the South. He moved to Caerphilly 1826, then Cardiff. In 1832, responding to urgent calls from the north, he settled in Caernarfon and again undertook the old work of building and collecting. Taken ill on a tour of the south, he died at Swansea. Always a Calvinist, for a time he came under Sandemanian influence. His chief characteristic was a vivid imagination that earned him the name "The Bunyan of Wales".
Philip Henry 1631-1696 Nonconformist clergyman, father of Matthew (and five others) husband of Katharine Mathews, only child of Daniel Mathews of Bronington and Broad Oak, Flintshire. Born London, his father was a courtier. As a child, he played with the future Charles II and James II. Studied Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, graduating BA 1650, MA 1652. His mother, a strong Puritan, took him to hear fine preachers and he was converted through Stephen Marshall 1647. In January, 1649 he observed Charles I going daily to his trial and execution. Began to preach 1653 and was soon engaged as tutor to the sons of Judge John Puleston at Emeral, Flintshire and preacher at Worthenbury Chapel, Bangor-on-Dee. Ordained a Presbyterian at Prees, Shropshire, 1657 though preferring Ussher's modified episcopacy. He declined to move to Wrexham or London 1659. Mrs Puleston had died 1658 and the judge the next year. Their eldest son, Roger, had no love for his former tutor. Henry welcomed the Restoration but it meant demotion, persecution and prosecution. Ejected 1661 and silenced 1662. He moved to Broad Oak, to a property of his wife's. Imprisoned for apparently supporting insurrection, after the Five Mile Act he moved to Whitchurch for a spell. It was only after the short-lived 1672 indulgence that he resumed a regular public ministry. Fined for keeping a conventicle 1681 and imprisoned again during Monmouth's rebellion. At the revolution he had great hopes of 'comprehension' but toleration it was, which he accepted with some reservations. Died in harness.
George Herbert 1593-1633 poet, orator and Church of England minister. His poetry is associated with the writings of the metaphysical poets and he is recognised as "one of the foremost British devotional lyricists." Born Wales into an artistic and wealthy family he was largely raised in England. Received a good education that led to his admission to Trinity College, Cambridge, 1609. Went there intending to become a priest but became University's Public Orator and attracted the attention of James I. Sat in the Parliament 1624 and briefly 1625. After the death of James, he renewed his interest in ordination. Gave up his secular ambitions in his mid-thirties and took holy orders, spending the rest of his life as rector of the rural parish of Fugglestone St Peter, just outside Salisbury. Noted for unfailing care for his parishioners, bringing the sacraments to them when they were ill and providing food and clothing for the needy. Fellow poet Henry Vaughan called him "a most glorious saint and seer". Never a healthy man he died of consumption aged 39.
Robert Maynard Jones 1929–2017 generally known as Bobi Jones. Welsh Christian academic and one of the most prolific writers in the history of the Welsh language. Versatile master of poetry, fictional prose and criticism, born Cardiff, educated in what is now Cardiff University and Dublin. Held the chair in Welsh language at Aberystwyth from 1980 until retirement. A Christian and a Calvinist he attended a denominational chapel until 1970 but then joined a separatist evangelical church. Translated several old hymns from Welsh to English.
John Miles, also known as John Myles c 1621–1683 the founder of Swansea, Massachusetts, and the founder of the earliest recorded Baptist churches in Wales and Massachusetts. Born Wales around 1621, educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, he went on to London where he visited the Glasshouse church, an early Particular Baptist congregation. Returned next to Ilston in Wales, where he served as a minister 1649-1662, also as a "tryer" for ministers under Cromwell's government. After the restoration and the requirement for all ministers to adhere to the Book of Common Prayer, he left England for the Plymouth Colony. He took the historic Ilston Book to North America with him; it is now located at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. In America he worked with the Congregationalist state church in Rehoboth before his group was told to leave the town for its Baptist views. He and his congregation (largely from Ilston) then founded the town of Swansea and the first Baptist Church in Swansea. He served as pastor 20 years. During King Philip's War, he pastored First Baptist Church, Boston, while fleeing from the Indians.
Rhys Prichard 1579–1644 clergyman and poet, vicar of Llandovery, west Wales, where he was born, and held various posts at St David's Cathedral (chancellor of St David's from 1626, later canon). Known as "Yr Hen Ficer" ("the Old Vicar") he was possibly in the house at 33 High St, Llandovery, owned by his parents at the time. Late in life, he built a larger house on the same plot of land where his birthplace had originally stood but it was demolished in the mid-20th century. Educated Jesus College, Oxford. When he became vicar, he was a habitual drunkard but was then converted. Composed many poems on religious themes and his fame lies with his influential poem Cannwyll y Cymry (The Welshman's Candle), a collection of poetical teachings and moral guidance.
Philip Pugh 1679-1760 Dissenting minister born Hendref, Blaenpenal, Cardiganshire, where he inherited a good estate. Later married an heiress. Trained for the Independent ministry at the nonconformist college Brynllŵarch, near Bridgend, founded by Samuel Jones after his ejection. Joined the church Cilgwyn 1704 and ordained co-pastor with David Edwards and Jenkin Jones 1709. He and his colleagues were in charge of up to eight churches, with a united membership of about a thousand. He baptised 680 children 1709-1760. Strong Trinitarian, a Calvinist who sympathised with the revival. Encouraged Daniel Rowland to preach more evangelically. Buried Llanddewi Brefi.
Walter Cradoc(k) c 1606–1659 With John Miles, Vavasor Powell and Morgan Llwyd, a leading Welsh Puritan. First an Anglican, he founded, with William Wroth, at Llanvaches, the first Independent church in Wales, 1638. Later he became a Baptist. Born at Trefela, near Llangwm, Monmouthshire, he probably went to Oxford before becoming curate at Peterston-Super-Ely. In 1633, he became Erbery's curate at nearby St Mary's, Cardiff. Cradock and Wroth were reported for unorthodox preaching and refusal to read the Book of Sports. From late 1634 he spent almost a year preaching in Wrexham, where he saw Llwyd converted. Next he was in the Welsh borders, where he met Powell. In 1639, he came under the protection of Sir Robert Harley at Brampton Bryan but moved on to Llanfair Waterdine to lead an Independent congregation. With the advent of civil war, they joined the Broadmead Independents Church, Bristol. In 1643, royalist forces occupied Bristol and some moved to London. Cradock and Henry Jessey preached at All-Hallows-the-Great. In 1641 Cradock was one of the preachers sent to Wales by the Long Parliament. They formed a tight and effective group until the mid-1650s. Their authority was renewed twice, with funding. Cradock and others were to preach in Welsh, something he had done in 1645, to captured royalist Welshmen after Naseby. One of the “Welsh saints” who commanded the troops of Thomas Harrison with Powell and Jenkin Jones. Later became a regular preacher to the Barebones Parlament. Opposed Powell's anti-Cromwell pamphlet The Word of God and, with most Welsh Puritans, supported Cromwell. Appears to have lived out his days back in Llangwm.
Thomas Charles 1755-1814 Calvinistic Methodist preacher of considerable importance. His influence is still felt and he is rightly claimed as one of the makers of modern Wales. A preacher and educator, he was a key figure in the Welsh Methodist Revival and was instrumental in the creation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. After being ordained an Anglican priest, his evangelical views made him unpopular with the church establishment and in 1784 he joined the Methodist movement in Bala. He established a system of "circulating" Sunday schools to teach children and adults to read in their native Welsh, vastly increasing literacy rates across Wales. The famous story of Mary Jones, the girl who walked 26 miles to Bala to obtain a Bible, deeply inspired him. Her determination led him to advocate for more affordable Bibles, which resulted in the formation of the BFBS 1804. He edited the society's first edition of the Welsh Bible and also wrote influential Welsh catechisms and a Bible dictionary in Welsh. Remembered for his dedication to evangelism and education and his efforts to provide Scripture for the common people. His work had a profound and lasting impact on the religious and cultural life of Wales.
Thomas Rhys Davies 1790-1859 Born Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, a Baptist minister. In 1811 he visited North Wales and was persuaded by Christmas Evans to stay. There he served the circuit of Llansanffraid Glan Conwy and Rowen, Denbighshire. He quarrelled with the Glanwydden church 1820 and left the Baptists to join the Wesleyans. Returned, however, to his old denomination some years later. Married Ann Foulks of Llandrillo-yn-Rhos 1814. The following year the two nearly drowned in a river. Died in Swansea.
Thomas Charles Edwards 1837-1900 Born Llanycil, Bala, the son of Lewis Edwards, founder of Bala Theological College and great grandson, through his mother, of Thomas Charles. Educated in Bala and Oxford where he was deeply influenced by Mark Pattison and Benjamin Jowet, keeping in touch with them from then on. Began preaching with the Presbyterian Church of Wales 1856, being influenced by the 1859 revival. Became a minister in Liverpool 1867 and was considered one of the leading preachers of his day. In 1872 the new university at Aberystwyth was founded and he was appointed principal. It was destroyed by fire 1885 and he collected £25,000 towards rebuilding. He resigned 1891 to become head of Bala Theological College. Married Mary Roberts 1876. They had four children. Weakened by a stroke 1894, he continued to work until his death in Bala.
John Elias 1774-1841 Exceptionally powerful preacher, 10,000 hearers once gathered to hear him. A High-Calvinist, he stoutly defended the doctrine of election when attacked. Called the Methodist Pope by some he rejected the idea that the people's voice is God's voice. Born Abererch, near Pwllheli, he was brought up mainly by his grandfather. Rare then, he was early able to read in Welsh or English. Attended the parish church then sought out Methodist preachers to hear. The Bala Association of 1792 had quite an impact. Went to live with Griffith Jones, a local preacher, in Caernarvon, where his abilities were soon noticed. Set apart to the ministry when only 20. Known before as Jones, he became Elias to save confusion. Made rapid progress as a preacher, having an intense passion for work and great oratorical gifts. Moved to Anglesey 1799. Married to Elizabeth Broadhead of Lanbadrig, they were together until she died 1828. Two children died in infancy, two survived their father. Remarried 1830 and moved to Llangefni, where he remained until his death and burial, Llanfaes Churchyard. Wrote several theological tomes in Welsh and an autobiography, published long after his death. Often contributed the denominational magazine Y Drysorfa.
Benjamin Francis 1734-1799 Born West Wales, son of a Baptist preacher, he was baptised by immersion aged 15 and began to preach aged 19. Studied Bristol Baptist College and commenced his ministry at Sodbury but in 1757 removed to Horsley (also known as Shortwood), Gloucestershire. There he remained, through a happy and very successful ministry of 42 years. Author of many poetical compositions, including Conflagration, a Poem in Four Parts 1770; elegies on the deaths of the Revs George Whitefield, Caleb Evans, Robert Day and Joshua Thomas; The Association, a Poem 1790; a Poetical Address to the Stockbridge Indians and probably two satirical pieces on the baptismal controversy, The Salopian Zealot and The Oracle, the former passing through several editions and being reprinted in America.
Ann Griffiths (née Thomas) 1776–1805 Poet and hymn writer in Welsh, born near Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, six miles (10 km) from Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire. Daughter of John Evan Thomas, a tenant farmer and churchwarden, and his wife, Jane, she had two older sisters, an older brother, John, and a younger, Edward. Her parents' farmhouse, Dolwar Fechan, was very isolated, some two and a half miles (4 km) south of Llanfihangel and a mile (1.6 km) north of Dolanog, set among hills and streams. (Nearby was Pennant Melangell, where St Melangell lived as a hermit in the 6th century). Ann was brought up in the Anglican church but in 1794, aged 18, her mother died and about this time or perhaps earlier, she followed her brothers into the Calvinistic Methodists. She joined a CM church 1796 after hearing Benjamin Jones Pwllheli. After the deaths of both parents, she married Thomas Griffiths, a farmer from Meifod and a CM elder. Died after childbirth August 1805, aged 29. Buried at Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa. Left a handful of stanzas in Welsh preserved and published by her mentor, CM minister, John Hughes Pontrobert and his wife, Ruth, who had been a maid at Ann's farm and a close confidante. Her poems express her fervent Christian faith and reflect her incisive intellect and thorough scriptural knowledge. The pre-eminent female hymn writer in Welsh. Her work is regarded as a highlight of Welsh literature. Saunders Lewis described her longest poem Rhyfedd, rhyfedd gan angylion ... (Wondrous, wondrous to angels ...) as "one of the majestic songs in the religious poetry of Europe". Her hymn Wele'n sefyll rhwng y myrtwydd is commonly sung (to Cwm Rhondda). A musical about her was televised 2004.
Christmas Evans 1766-1838 For some "the greatest preacher that the Baptists have ever had in Great Britain". Born near Llandysul, Cardiganshire, his shoemaker father died early and he grew up an illiterate farm labourer, losing an eye fighting in his teens. At 17, he became servant to Presbyterian minister, David Davies. Influenced by a revival then in progress, he learned to read and write in English and Welsh. Heard itinerant Calvinistic Methodist preachers and joined the Baptists in Llandysul and began to preach. In 1789 he went to North Wales. He first preached in the remote Llŷn Peninsula, then in Llangefni, Anglesey, building up a strong Baptist community, modelled to an extent on Calvinistic Methodism. Many new chapels were built, money being collected on preaching tours to the South. He moved to Caerphilly 1826, then Cardiff. In 1832, responding to urgent calls from the north, he settled in Caernarfon and again undertook the old work of building and collecting. Taken ill on a tour of the south, he died at Swansea. Always a Calvinist, for a time he came under Sandemanian influence. His chief characteristic was a vivid imagination that earned him the name "The Bunyan of Wales".
Philip Henry 1631-1696 Nonconformist clergyman, father of Matthew (and five others) husband of Katharine Mathews, only child of Daniel Mathews of Bronington and Broad Oak, Flintshire. Born London, his father was a courtier. As a child, he played with the future Charles II and James II. Studied Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford, graduating BA 1650, MA 1652. His mother, a strong Puritan, took him to hear fine preachers and he was converted through Stephen Marshall 1647. In January, 1649 he observed Charles I going daily to his trial and execution. Began to preach 1653 and was soon engaged as tutor to the sons of Judge John Puleston at Emeral, Flintshire and preacher at Worthenbury Chapel, Bangor-on-Dee. Ordained a Presbyterian at Prees, Shropshire, 1657 though preferring Ussher's modified episcopacy. He declined to move to Wrexham or London 1659. Mrs Puleston had died 1658 and the judge the next year. Their eldest son, Roger, had no love for his former tutor. Henry welcomed the Restoration but it meant demotion, persecution and prosecution. Ejected 1661 and silenced 1662. He moved to Broad Oak, to a property of his wife's. Imprisoned for apparently supporting insurrection, after the Five Mile Act he moved to Whitchurch for a spell. It was only after the short-lived 1672 indulgence that he resumed a regular public ministry. Fined for keeping a conventicle 1681 and imprisoned again during Monmouth's rebellion. At the revolution he had great hopes of 'comprehension' but toleration it was, which he accepted with some reservations. Died in harness.
George Herbert 1593-1633 poet, orator and Church of England minister. His poetry is associated with the writings of the metaphysical poets and he is recognised as "one of the foremost British devotional lyricists." Born Wales into an artistic and wealthy family he was largely raised in England. Received a good education that led to his admission to Trinity College, Cambridge, 1609. Went there intending to become a priest but became University's Public Orator and attracted the attention of James I. Sat in the Parliament 1624 and briefly 1625. After the death of James, he renewed his interest in ordination. Gave up his secular ambitions in his mid-thirties and took holy orders, spending the rest of his life as rector of the rural parish of Fugglestone St Peter, just outside Salisbury. Noted for unfailing care for his parishioners, bringing the sacraments to them when they were ill and providing food and clothing for the needy. Fellow poet Henry Vaughan called him "a most glorious saint and seer". Never a healthy man he died of consumption aged 39.
Robert Maynard Jones 1929–2017 generally known as Bobi Jones. Welsh Christian academic and one of the most prolific writers in the history of the Welsh language. Versatile master of poetry, fictional prose and criticism, born Cardiff, educated in what is now Cardiff University and Dublin. Held the chair in Welsh language at Aberystwyth from 1980 until retirement. A Christian and a Calvinist he attended a denominational chapel until 1970 but then joined a separatist evangelical church. Translated several old hymns from Welsh to English.
John Miles, also known as John Myles c 1621–1683 the founder of Swansea, Massachusetts, and the founder of the earliest recorded Baptist churches in Wales and Massachusetts. Born Wales around 1621, educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, he went on to London where he visited the Glasshouse church, an early Particular Baptist congregation. Returned next to Ilston in Wales, where he served as a minister 1649-1662, also as a "tryer" for ministers under Cromwell's government. After the restoration and the requirement for all ministers to adhere to the Book of Common Prayer, he left England for the Plymouth Colony. He took the historic Ilston Book to North America with him; it is now located at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. In America he worked with the Congregationalist state church in Rehoboth before his group was told to leave the town for its Baptist views. He and his congregation (largely from Ilston) then founded the town of Swansea and the first Baptist Church in Swansea. He served as pastor 20 years. During King Philip's War, he pastored First Baptist Church, Boston, while fleeing from the Indians.
Rhys Prichard 1579–1644 clergyman and poet, vicar of Llandovery, west Wales, where he was born, and held various posts at St David's Cathedral (chancellor of St David's from 1626, later canon). Known as "Yr Hen Ficer" ("the Old Vicar") he was possibly in the house at 33 High St, Llandovery, owned by his parents at the time. Late in life, he built a larger house on the same plot of land where his birthplace had originally stood but it was demolished in the mid-20th century. Educated Jesus College, Oxford. When he became vicar, he was a habitual drunkard but was then converted. Composed many poems on religious themes and his fame lies with his influential poem Cannwyll y Cymry (The Welshman's Candle), a collection of poetical teachings and moral guidance.
Philip Pugh 1679-1760 Dissenting minister born Hendref, Blaenpenal, Cardiganshire, where he inherited a good estate. Later married an heiress. Trained for the Independent ministry at the nonconformist college Brynllŵarch, near Bridgend, founded by Samuel Jones after his ejection. Joined the church Cilgwyn 1704 and ordained co-pastor with David Edwards and Jenkin Jones 1709. He and his colleagues were in charge of up to eight churches, with a united membership of about a thousand. He baptised 680 children 1709-1760. Strong Trinitarian, a Calvinist who sympathised with the revival. Encouraged Daniel Rowland to preach more evangelically. Buried Llanddewi Brefi.
David Thomas 1813-1894 Preacher and publisher of The Homilist, a magazine of liturgical thought. Son of William Thomas, Hopsill, also a preacher. Born near Tenby and started life in a commercial career, in which he achieved rapid success. Would give his Sundays to preaching even when in business but was persuaded to devote himself wholly to the ministry. Entered Newport Pagnell College to prepare for the ministry then became a pastor Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Moved to Stockwell, London, 1844, where he ministered to a congregation reaching up to 900 people until his retirement 1877. Began publication of The Homilist 1852 and proceeded to publish over forty volumes. Also wrote The Crisis of Being - six lectures to Young Men on Religious Decision; The Progress of Being; The Genius of the Gospels; A Commentary on the Gospel of St Matthew; The Practical Philosopher; Problemata Mundi, etc. Collected writings eventually filled nine volumes, republished 1882-1889. Originator of the Working Men's Club and Institute, of which Lord Brougham was first president; and of an insurance plan for the benefit of widows of ministers. Congregants included Catherine Mumford (who he married to William Booth 1855) and Church Army founder, Wilson Carlile. Pennsylvania's Waynesburg College awarded him an honorary doctorate, recognising his efforts to reconcile the churches of the USA and England. Died at his daughter's home Ramsgate; buried West Norwood.
Anna Laetitia Waring 1823-1910 Born Plas-y-Felin, Neath, into a family of Quakers, in 1842 she was baptised into the Anglican church in Winchester. A poet and hymn writer, she also supported the Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society and other charities and learned Hebrew. Her first hymn collection appeared 1850 but much of her work remained unpublished and was only discovered after her death, a 1911 posthumous edition collecting most of this, religious and secular. Several others in her family had literary interests. Her uncle, Samuel Miller Waring, published a hymn collection and her father, Elijah Waring, wrote verse and a literary memoir, Recollections and Anecdotes of Edward Williams, the Bard of Glamorgan (1850).
Edward Williams 1750-1813 Congregationalist minister, theological writer and tutor. Born Glan Clwyd, Aberwheeler, Denbigh. His father, a farmer of good position, sent him to St Asaph Grammar. Intended for the Church of England, while still young he came under the influence of local methodists and, while studying with a curate at Derwen, David Ellis, who translated several books into Welsh, attended their meetings. He joined the Independent church, Denbigh, and began to preach. He entered the dissenting academy, Abergavenny, 1771. His first pastoral charge was at Ross-on-Wye 1775-1777. He then moved to Oswestry. He married Mary Llewellyn 1777. In 1781, he was invited by Lady Glenorchy to train two students in her house at her expense. When Dr Benjamin Davies left Abergavenny for Homerton College, it was suggested Williams succeed him. He chose not to leave Oswestry so the academy was moved, 1782, to Oswestry, under him. At the end of 1791, he moved to be pastor of Carr's Lane, Birmingham. He was appointed first editor of the Evangelical Magazine and received a DD from Edinburgh University 1792. As early as 1793, he wrote to the Midlands churches expressing the need for world evangelisation and foreign missions, an effective letter. He became involved in plans to form the London Missionary Society, which happened 1795. In July 1796, he preached the charge when the society sent out its first missionaries. He left Birmingham to become minister of Masbrough Independent Chapel, Rotherham and also theological tutor at the nearby newly formed Rotherham Academy 1795. His first wife had died July 1795, shortly before he left Birmingham leaving him with five children, four others having died. He married Miss Yeomans of Worcester 1796. They had one child, also Edward Williams. His second wife survived until 1823. Williams also founded the West Riding Itinerant Society, as well as tutoring in several academies and being the first Masbrough tutor. More than fifty years later, Dr F J Falding, a later principal at Rotherham called him a great theologian
William Williams Wern 1781-1840 Independent minister in Wales and promoter of the "General Union" movement of 1834. He was one of three "giants of the Welsh pulpit", along with John Elias and Christmas Evans.Born in Llanfachreth, Merionethshire, he became a member of the Old Chapel, Llanuwchllyn, at an early age, and became a student at the Wrexham Academy 1803. Ordained 1808, he attended a meeting of the London Missionary Society in Swansea, 1814, and proceeded to foster its aims in North Wales. In 1834, he began the "General Union" movement, in order to help pay off the debts arising from the building of chapels.