Edwards, James, 1800-1887, was a Baptist minister and poet who was born at Abergavenny and who under Micah Thomas was called to the Christian ministry. In 1824 he entered the Northern Baptist College, then in Horton, and four years later was ordained as pastor of a church in Shipley, Yorkshire. In 1830 he removed to George Street, Nottingham, where he laboured for 34 years. His popular pulpit gifts caused him to be much sought after. A musical voice, fluent utterance, lucid language and apt illustration combined to render his preaching attractive. In 1839 his health gave way and tuberculosis was feared. Under medical advice he went to Madeira where he recovered his vigour. Some verses which he wrote on the voyage appeared in the "Baptist Magazine" and furnished a good idea of a poetic faculty which never failed him. He resigned the pastoral office in 1864 and finally settled at Finchley, frequently preaching in and around London.
(Based on Baptist Handbook, 1888).
(Based on Baptist Handbook, 1888).
