DAVIES, JOHN (1737 - 1821), Independent minister

Born in the parish of Llanllawddog, Carmarthenshire He probably received very little education. His parents were Anglican, but he joined the Independent church at Pencader when he was about 20 years of age, and began to preach. He was ordained minister of the church at Pentre Tŷ Gwyn, Carmarthenshire, in 1768. He received a 'call' to the churches of Cwm Llynfell, Cwm Aman, and Allt Wen, Glamorganshire, towards the end of the year 1770 or the beginning of 1771. His ministry there lasted until his death on 4 December 1821, and he was generally known as ' Davies, Allt Wen.' He was buried in Llangiwg churchyard.

During this period there was much discussion and some dissension in Independent churches on the question of Calvinism and Arminianism. John Davies preached vigorously and continuously against Arminianism, and he was generally referred to as ' Old John Calvin.' He lacked the scholarship which was considered necessary in the pulpit of the Older Dissent, but he had a strong personality, a fervent disposition, and great natural gifts. His long ministry greatly influenced the large district which comprised his pastorate, and he was a prominent figure in the assemblies of the Independents.

Author

• Thomas Harris Lewis, (1972)

Sources

• Hanes Eglwys Cwmllynfell (1935), 28-37
• Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru, ii, 163-4
• Josiah Thomas Jones, Geiriadur Bywgraffyddol o Enwogion Cymru (Aberdâr 1867-70), i, 115-7

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20733370

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-RUU/1.0/