JONES, JONATHAN (1745 - 1832), Independent minister

Born near Llanfihangel in the parish of Abergwili, Carmarthenshire, 1745, the youngest of five children of John and Mary Morgan. His parents worshipped at the Pant-teg Congregational chapel. He was apprenticed as a blacksmith, like his father, and worked for William Thomas, Llanllwni, whose smithy he took over when the latter removed to Llanwennog. He became a member of the Congregational church at Pencader, where he was urged to preach. He was called to the pastorate of the church at Rhyd-y-bont, Llanybydder, and was ordained there, 9 August 1775. His ministry was attended by success there, and in the surrounding districts. He was a prominent figure in the monthly and quarterly meetings of the Independents. He preached regularly for a period at Horeb, Gwernogle, and Abergorlech. The old church at Pencader was also in his charge for some time. He was called to Brychgoed, Brecknock, but preferred to remain at Rhyd-y-bont. A church was incorporated and a chapel built under his direction at Maes Nonni, 1810. In 1815, his ministry at Rhyd-y-bont came to a close under a cloud, but he was restored as preacher, and he maintained his pastorate of Troed-y-rhiw, Dihewyd, a church which he had founded. He died 18 February 1832, and was buried at Rhyd-y-bont. He was twice married, and had eleven children by his first wife. The eldest, John Jones, entered the ministry, and another son, David Jones, was a surgeon, but he died young. Jonathan Jones is described as a strong man a witty preacher, a hyper-Calvinist in theology, and a stout defender of infant baptism.

Author

• Evan David Jones, (1903 - 1987)

Sources

• Y Diwygiwr, 1836, 37-40, 69-72
• Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru, iii, 547-50, iv, 99-100

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20733691

Published date: 1959

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