A contemporary article in the Baptist Magazine reveals that in 1821 on July 19, the Rev. W. Johns, late student at Abergavenny, was ordained pastor over the Particular Baptist Church at Cerwent, near Chepstow. The Rev. Thomas Leonard of Magor commenced with reading and prayer; the Rev. D. Phillips of Caerleon delivered the introductory discourse, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; the Rev. J. Lewis of Chepstow implored the divine blessing on the newly ordained pastor, which was accompanied with the laying on of hands.
It was the Rev. Micah Thomas, Mr. J.'s Tutor, who delivered an impressive charge from Acts xxvi. 18, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith which is in me.
The Rev. J(ohn) James of Pontrhydyrun preached to the church and congregation, from Jude 3, Beloved, when 1 gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. The hymns were given out by the Rev. Joshua Lewis of Chepstow.
In the evening Mr. Roberts of Abergavenn, and Mr. Jonathan Davies of Brecon, preached from 1 John v. 10. and Job xiv. 10.
