John Michael 2

Another slightly different version of the last post exists. This version is almost the same as the last but was published in Welsh in Seren Cymru and has been translated back into English

Tribute to the Rev John Michael

The death occurred on September 18, 1878, of my brother Shôn. He was born in Holyhead on December 7, 1812, and received the usual education for the time. In 1828 he was baptised as a Baptist, having set his sights on becoming a minister some years before. He told the Rev William Morgan of his intention, and under his instruction, and that of the minister of the Independents, the Rev William Griffiths, embarked on the task – and succeeded in it.

As was the custom then, he was called to address the monthly meetings of the churches and practised his mission on the Lleyn peninsula. After that the Missionary Society of Denbighshire appointed him to the failing church that was in Denbigh town to work with the enthusiastic deacon and successful merchant, Mr Foulkes, who had come from London to live there.

In time, and after applying, he was given a clear path to attend the institute in Abergavenny under the guidance of the Rev Micah Thomas. From there he moved to Trosnant under the Rev Dr Thomas, and remained there until he completed his education.

By this time a new church had been built in Llanfihangel Trichornel (on the site of an old meeting place) and a chapel and dwelling house were erected there.

The church was incorporated and my brother became minister there when the new chapel opened on January 5 and 6, 1839.

Now, with a suitable home, my brother sought a wife and married Rachel, the daughter of William Jones (‘Singer’), of Cymmera, Llanwenarth; a beautiful, pure and religious young woman; and with hopes of financial security because of a family connection with two bachelors in Llanbeudan, who, through a legal stroke of luck, owned many thousands of pounds.

In this way Shôn began his ministerial and married life happily. His wife had two children.

There was a cemetery belonging to the chapel, but as nobody in the fellowship sought to use it, since they buried their dead with their families in the consecrated ground of the parish, my brother planted potatoes in the new cemetery.

This was so contrary to the sacred wishes of the people that the fellowship turned against him, and the more he tried to persuade them, the more ferocious they became.

There was a branch of Mr Boyce’s school, as it was known, in the chapel and payment from that was all the minister received. He complained to the good man, who threatened to stop the money. And although Shôn promised not to plant potatoes again after that crop, the fellowship became more and more bitter and he left them.

After that he took over the Welsh fellowship in Cwmbran, and kept a drapery shop on behalf of his brother-in-law, William. But within three years, thanks to the recommendation of the Rev F Hiley, Llanwenarth, and Evans, Pontrhydyryn, he moved to Llangwm.

He stayed there until Rachel’s death and was left a widower with five motherless children – the oldest being 11 and the youngest not even able to walk yet.

The grandfather and grandmother, at Cymerau, took two of the children, the oldest and the youngest but one, leaving the three others with their father; but they had strong support in Cymerau.

In the meantime, for the sake of her health, a young woman returned to the neighbourhood, who had left more than 20 years ago, and had served the whole time as cook to gentlefolk for £52 a year, plus scraps, and had banked all her earnings. She asked my brother to baptise her and accept her as a member of the church. After this she got him to draw up her will and he discovered she was worth more than £500.

My brother, with his eyes open and without the old maid knowing, went to London to enquire into the truth of this story, and having found it was true, courted the spinster. He was successful and married her. She was a competent nurse to him and a tender and caring mother to his children.

Mrs Michael restored him to health, and since she was a hard-working and well-off woman, decided to set up a grocery in the neighbourhood. For convenience, the family moved from Llangwm to Penhow, in Llanfaches. It was the well-to-do and religious reverend gentleman, Thomas Leonard, who, having built a small chapel, established Penuel Church there and my brother became minister there and in Magor and Mrs Michael opened her grocery shop.

By then my brother’s children had grown up, some had married and moved elsewhere. Some went to Liverpool, and two boys went to Nantyglo where they went into business.

My brother sold the grocery shop, took the money in his pocket, and he too went into the works with the children. But the oldest boy, William, died; and the youngest, Lewis, was not successful in the world. My brother’s daughter, Eunice, married a skilful baker, who made hard bread for sailors, and lived in Newport and Usk.

My brother transferred everything he owned to Mr Morgan Thomas, and among other things, a smallholding worth £8 to £10 a year, on the condition that he was supported as long as he lived. And it was with Mr Morgan, his daughter’s husband, that he died in his sleep, lying in his bed, on September 18 or 19 (it is not known which), 1878. He was about 66 and nine months old since he was born on January 7, 1812.

He was buried with his second wife on September 23 in the cemetery of Penhow Chapel, in Llanfaches, Monmouth.

For the previous 10 or 12 years he had been very poorly. He was so unhappy travelling the countryside of Monmouth over styles, ditches and hedges to visit his scattered fellowship, and he tore the hamstrings in both legs which caused him great pain and drove him to take pills and strong drink in order to gain relief; but which, at the same time, poisoned his constitution.

This made him irascible and hurtful at times, both to others and himself. But his doctrinal views comforted him. He was, as they used to say 40 years ago, a man of strong convictions, and he used to say very definitely and with some force: “I know who I believe in,” “I know that my Redeemer lives”, and so on. He was a not a big reader, he preferred to chat over a smoke. Although Shôn was a Calvinist through-and-through, he had close friends among the Fullerites. The Rev Micah Thomas and he were firm friends. So too were Hiley, Llanwenarth, and Evans, Pontrhydyryn. Thomas Kenvin and he would smoke happily together for hours; so too Hefyd Jones, Casbach, and W Thomas, Newport.

My brother’s preaching talents did not depend on tricks or showiness, but went at a slow, considered pace, like the waters of Siloam – filled with salvation to the believers who would bathe in them.

My heart is sad at the burial of my brother.

OWEN MICHAEL

John Michael 1

John Michael studied under Micah Thomas and ministered in the Monmouthshire area, remaining a friend of Thomas's, though not exactly sharing his theology. In the NLW his brother's notes about him in English have been retained. They are as follows

A Memoir

Rev John Michael

Died September the 18th, 1898, my brother John. He was born at Holyhead, December 7th, 1819. He had in his childhood the education customary in those days. He professed religion with the Baptists during the year 1828. It was in his mind some years previously to become a preacher. His desire was made known to the Rev William Morgan and under his directions, as well as those of the Rev William Griffiths, Independent minister, he endeavoured to bring about the realisation of his desire. He succeeded in his purpose. According to the custom of those days permission was given to him by the monthly meeting to preach throughout the churches, his publications having been sent to the churches beforehand. Then he became a missionary at Lleyn. After this the Denbigh Missionary Society appointed him a missionary in connection with the church that was at Denbigh, to co-operate with Mr Foulkes, a zealous deacon and successful merchant who had come from London to reside there.

And in time, after making the necessary application, the way was opened for him to enter the college at Abergavenny under the care of the Rev Micah Thomas. The college was moved from there to Trosnant, Pontypool, under the care of the Rev Dr Thomas and my brother was there to the close of his curriculum.

By that time there was a new church being formed at Llanfihangel Trichornel, an old preaching station. A chapel and private house were built there. The church was incorporated and my brother was ordained there as minister on the day the new chapel was opened, January 5th and 6th, 1839.

Now that he had a suitable habitation my brother went to look for a wife and got married to Rachael, a daughter to William Jones (singer) Cymmera, Llanwenarth; a modest, good looking, clean and religious young maiden with a strong pecuniary hope in the family through a relational connection with the two old bachelors at Llanbeudan who through a mere accident in law had become the possessors of many thousands of pounds. In this way John commenced his ministerial and married life in a happy manner. To his wife were born five children.

There was a graveyard attached to the chapel but as none of the fraternity sought burial there and as they had their dead buried with their families in the consecrated ground of the parish, my brother planted potatoes in the new graveyard. This was so much against the old and sacred notion of propriety that prevailed amongst the people that the fraternity turned against him and the more he endeavoured to convince them, the more and more bitter they became. Connected with the chapel was one of Mr Boyce's schools and payment towards the same was nearly all the remuneration the minister received. Complaints were made to that gentleman. The consequence was that he threatened to withhold his money. And though John promised he would never again plant a potato in the yard after that crop, more and more bitter the fraternity became and the result was that he left them.

He then took charge of the Welsh cause at Cwmbran and kept a drapers' shop for his brother-in-law. But in about three years, through the recommendation of the Reverend F Hiley, Llanwenarth and Mr Evans, Pontrhydyrun, he settled at Llangwm. He lived there until Rachel died and left him a widower with five motherless children, the eldest being 11 years of age and the youngest not able to walk. The grandparents at Cymmera took two children, the eldest boy and the girl next to the youngest, leaving the other three with the father but there was a strong support for them at Cymmera.

About this time there returned to the neighbourhood in quest of health a middle-aged woman who had left the place for over 20 years and during most of this time had served as cook with various gentlemen, receiving at the rate of £52 and more per annum as renumeration for her service. A great deal of what she had thus received had been deposited in a bank. She went to my brother and asked him to baptise her. She also sought church membership. After this she asked him to write out her will. In this way he discovered that she was worth more than £500. My brother, with his eyes open, went to London to make enquiries as to the truth of her statement. Having found out that it was true, he returned and began to pay her his addresses. He was successful. He married her. To him she became a suitable help-meet, and to his children a kind and careful mother. Mrs Michael was restored to her usual health. As she was active and concerned about the material prosperity of her family she determined to open a grocery shop in the neighbourhood. And for the convenience of the family they removed from Llangwm to Penhow, in Llanvaches. That rich, religious and reverend minister, Thomas Leonard had built a sweet chapel there and a church was formed (Penuel) and my brother was reckoned there and at Magor as pastor. Mrs Michael also opened her shop. They were successful here for a long time. However, the health of the active wife failed her once more and she died and was buried at Penhow. By this time my brother's children had grown up. Some of them got married and settled down near Nantyglo and started business there. My brother sold his shop and went away to live with his sons but William the eldest son died. His daughter Eunice got married to a baker and ship chandler who lived in Newport. My brother transferred all he possessed to Mr Morgan Thomas and, amongst other things, a small cottage worth from £8 to £10 per annum, on the condition that he should be supported whilst he lived. And it was with Mr Morgan Thomas, the husband of his daughter, he was when he died in his sleep in bed on the 18th or 19th (it is not known which) of September, 1878. His age was 66 and about nine months. He was respectably buried in the graveyard attached to Penuel Chapel, Llanvaches, Monmouthshire.

His health failed him for some 12 or 15 years before his decease. In travelling over rough places - hedges and ditches - in Monmouthshire, for the purpose of visiting the various members of his scattered flock, he was so unfortunate as to rupture himself very severely. This became the cause of much pain and was the occasion of his resorting to strong medicine and drinks to alleviate his suffering but which at the same time poisoned his constitution. Moreover this produced in him a temper that was fretful and painful to himself and others. But his doctrinal opinion used to comfort him. As it used to be said 40 years ago, he was, as to belief a hyper or antinomian, and he used to say with force and determination “For I know whom I have believed”, “I know that my redeemer liveth”, etc. He was not a great reader. He was very fond of conversation in a humble and familiar manner and especially as in association with smoking. Though it was a rank hyper that John was yet there were to him some very dear friends amongst the Fullerites. The Rev Micah Thomas and himself were true friends. Also Hiley, Llanwenarth, and Evans, Pontrhydyrun. Thomas Kenvin and himself would smoke together for hours most happily. Also Jones, Castleton and W Thomas, Newport. There was nothing of a brilliant or extraordinary character in the preaching gifts of my brother but a quiet, placid, pleasant flowing like the Waters of Siloam, full of salvation for the believing brothers.

Burdened is my breast for the burial of my brother

Budd yw fy mron am briddy fy mrawd

Owen Michael

Thomas Lewis Memoir Part 2b

Previously to his settlement at Ryeford in 1802 Mr Thomas had been preaching for about five years. During that time he kept no minute count of his sermons nor of the places in which he preached but from the third of October 1802 to the end of his life he kept a correct record of the places, times and texts from which he discoursed. His preparation for the pulpit was always exact, elaborate and fastidious perhaps to a fault. He wrote sermons with the greatest possible care and that generally at full length and finished them as neatly and correctly as if all learned eyes in creation were to examine them. Several of his manuscripts have been given to friends who wished to possess them as mementos of one they sincerely loved when emigrating to America, Australia or India. A vast number nevertheless is still left behind and the writer counted about 1580 sermons exclusive of 14 copies full of addresses, lectures and sermons for special occasions !!

In the following table which I compiled from Mr Thomas's manuscripts it is shown how many times he preached at and from home every year, how many he baptised during his life and there will be appended a few notes that may prove useful and interesting to many

The order is Year, Home, Away from home, Baptisms

1802 14 16 -

1803 54 60 -

1804 42 67

1805 46 66

1806 44 48 -

1807 95 20 5

1808 66 28 16

1809 68 25 9

1810 75 34 5

1811 47 34 1

1812 59 31 5

1813 54 38 4

1814 54 34 16

1815 58 29 13

1816 69 25 24

1817 77 25 8

1818 87 55 1

1819 105 43 18

1820 78 77 -

1821 91 28 6

1822 85 25 4

1823 82 18 3

1824 99 32 6

1825 111 16 7

1826 98 17 7

1827 104 13 13

1828 96 13 5

1829 85 6 5

1830 85 14 3

1831 88 6 3

1832 93 10 1

1833 82 8 10

1834 91 10 2

1835 80 17 -

1836 95 6 7

1837 108 7 -

1838 101 8 3

1839 114 6 10

1840 91 5 -

1841 82 3 30

1842 106 5 22

1843 120 4 32

1844 119 2 7

1845 91 - 4

1846 110 4 2

1847 110 4 11

1848 110 5 3

1849 103 2 12

1850 86 2 8

1851 109 1 3

1852 111 2 2

1853 88 2 10

Notes to the preceding table

1803 During the years Mr Thomas was at Ryeford he frequently preached at the following places – Hoarwithy, Gorsley, Coleford, Ross, Ruardean and Mitcheldean. In the same years also he preached at Leominster, Bridgenorth, Llanwenarth, Usk, Caerleon, Abergavenny, Blaenavon, Penygarn, Trosnant, Bristol and Hereford

1804 This year the Baptist Chapel at Ryeford, was repaired. It was re-opened Oct 17 when Mr Bowland of Pershore and Mr Symmons of Wootton under Edge preached. The former from Isaiah 4:5 and the latter from Isaiah 66:14.

1805 This year we find Mr Thomas preaching at Bradford, Bath, Broseley, Shrewsbury, Cosley, Pershore and Evesham.

1806 This year he preached at Caerphilly, Peterstone, Cardiff, Cadoxton and Worcester. In this year we meet with the first account of his being baptising. He baptised 27 persons at Ryeford so it is stated in the letter to Mrs Mack.

1807 January the fourth was the last day of preaching for Mr Thomas at Ryeford. The next day he left for Abergavenny and Mr Jonathan Davies from Llanthony brought over his furniture. This Jonathan Davies was a member at Llanwenarth and a very respectable man. Truly pious. his children are now ministers at Llanthony and they are now sons and deacons there. The said JD and Mr John Williams of Tresaison were the originators of the Baptist interest at Llanthony about 60 years ago. Their descendants are still there and have been much blessed.

June 3rd Mr Thomas preached at Llysfaen from Acts 19:2.

June 21 Mr Miles Edwards, Pontypool, baptised for Mr Thomas. His text in the morning was Revelation 18:18, that in the evening John 10:20.

July 12 Mr John Harris was baptised at Abergavenny by Rev James Lewis when Mr Thomas preached at the water from Matthew 3:15. This Mr Harris was one of if not the most respectable man in the country and he was greatly respected. He was the father of Mrs Edmunds of Caerphilly and the father of Mr Thomas's second wife. Mr Thomas married Miss Rachel Harris, July 2nd, 1830.

Later notes are found in summary form elsewhere on this blog

Thomas Lewis Memoir Part 2a

His minsterial labours

The ministers of the gospel will be accepted of God, if faithful, whatever may be the result of their labours; whether seen in the salvation, or the augmented condemnation of those who hear them. They are a sweet savour to God. Their acceptance with him depends not on the measure of their success; but on their fidelity.

Abergavenny is the most beautifully situated town in the whole county of Monmouth. It is surrounded by hills and mountains in which are united the witnesses of wildness and fertility. Between these also are spread out in all the varied beauty and luxuriance of a paradise, extensive and undulated plains richly productive of whatever is necessary both for the support of man and that of those creatures which the “Lord of all” has sent to minister to his comforts. For several ages past had this old town being blessed not only with the smiles of providence but also with the ministry of the gospel of Christ but unhappily not without bitter controversies.

It appears that there were many Baptists in and about the town of Abergavenny prior to the year 1652; but it was then they were formed into a church and the Lord blessed them with many converts for about 60 were added to their number in a little more than one year. In 1653 the Baptist Association was held there and the assembly at the time was truly respected. This with other things chafed some of those who were for infant sprinkling and the result was that a public discussion was held in Saint Marys in the town between John Tombes BD Baptist, Henry Vaughn MA and John Cragig MA paedobaptists. This dispute, though in itself not to be desired, turned out to advantage as the people began to read and think for themselves which they seldom did before and the end was that upwards of 40 were baptised and added to the church that year but the present Welsh Baptist Chapel situated in Tudor Street wass erected in 1769 (vid Hanes y Bedyddwyr Joshua Thomas p 170 also his History of the Association p 10 Mr White's Guide p 31).

Beside the Baptists there was also a very respectable Independent church in the town and it continues to the present day. Whitefield and Wesley also visited the town upon their errands of mercy and were the means of doing good to those who were ready to perish. In the Journal of Wesley the three visits to this place are recorded. In Volume 1, page 222 the first is thus mentioned

“Monday Sept 15, 1739 I came to Abergavenny. I felt in myself a strong aversion to preaching here. However, I went to Mr N (the person in whose ground Mr Whitfield preached) to desire the use of it. He said “with all his heart if the minister was not willing to let me have the church” after whose refusal (for I wrote a line to him immediately) he invited me to his house. About a thousand people stood patiently though the frost was sharp, it being after sunset) while from Acts 28:22 I simply described the plain old religion of the Church of England which is now almost everywhere spoken against under the name of Methodism. An hour after I explained it a little more fully in a neighbouring house, showing how God had exalted Jesus to be a Prince and Saviour to give repentance and remission of sins. His second visit was in 1741, his third in 1746 and his fourth, but then he made no stay, was in 1748. A regularly constituted society of Wesleyans, however, was not formed until the year 1804.

Such is a bird's eye view of the religious state of Abergavenny when Mr Thomas settled in 1807 and there the all-wise God had appointed that he should live and work and die.

Under April 19, 1807, we have the following record in Mr Thomas's book “This day five of us formed into a church when two were baptised (by Micah Thomas) viz Lewis Moses and Hannah Price. The names of the five were Mrs Thomas, Mr and Mrs Wyke, Mrs Harris, Govilon, and Mrs Garrett a very pious old lady living in the town. (Hanes Y Bedyddwr by David Jones p 759). The success that began to follow Mr Thomas's labours made some who held different views of baptism rather uneasy if not somewhat alarmed. The pastor of The Independent church, Mr Harrison, writes Mr Micah Thomas, in a good and humorous strain, “as soon as the water began to be moved was much stirred and buckled on the armour and gave public notice that on a given day and hour he would preach a sermon on what he called infant baptism but what we, thinking that every practice should be described by language true and appropriate, style infant sprinkling or pouring. As the good man had it seems wittingly for our common benefit fixed a time for his demonstration that did not clash with that of our public worship many of us went to hear the discourse. Probably some of us worthy co-adjutors imagined that the achievement would be so overwhelming in argument and scripture truth that the little Baptist interest then struggling with birth would be forever submerged but strange as it may appear, it experienced no damage whatever. Nay, but the contrary happened to be the result. For the consequence was that the before unthinking were led to reflect, the dim-sighted to clearly see and the wavering to decide. It seldom, if ever, fails to serve the cause of truth - the cause of immersion administered to believers - when our good Brethren begin to preach up infant sprinkling. It was wisely said on the subject by the late excellent Mr Lowell of Bristol “Silence is our fort”. Such policy might have been serviceable to the same cause here 37 years ago. (This is written in the Memoir of Reverend John Jones of Blakeney, 1844). But our friends thought differently and the effect was that several of the brethren became determined to be buried with Christ in baptism. Amongst them was the subject of this obituary in company with three score of his previously infant offspring sprinkling associates was on the 12th day of June 1808 immersed by the writer and the same day received into the communion of the church. But not before, it should be observed, being offered to be baptised and continue their fellowship with the Independent church. This event was the commencement of a sentimental revolution here in the antecedently tranquil empire of infant sprinkling. Even Mrs Jones herself, Mr Jones' mother, her elder daughter and her maid servant, her whole household with the exception of a younger daughter about 12 years of age or more, at length became deeply united, with this one exception, not illusioned by inadequate age the writer had the pleasure of baptising Lydia, for that was Mrs Jones' name and her household. Here then it is in evidence that a Lydia and her household maybe baptised and yet no unconscious infant being in the family. And who dares affirm that the Thyatirian Lydia and her household were otherwise circumstanced.” (Baptist Magazine 1844 p 394).

Trosnant and Abergavenny Academies

This is from Nonconformist Academies in Wales by H P Roberts

HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST ACADEMIES

1. Trosnant near Pontypool 1732-1770

The statement charging the Baptists with "culpably neglecting the education of their ministers for years” is unfair and Dr Rees, in his History of Nonconformity (p 496) states that they had no college till 1807, when the Abergavenny institution was opened, under the presidency of Mr Micah Thomas. The fact is, the Baptists opened an Academy at Trosnant as early as 1732, according to Rufus (Athrofeydd y Bedyddwyr, p 6) and this continued till 1770. John Griffith, the son of Morgan Griffith, minister of Hengoed, had the principal hand in establishing this little seminary. He was also the first tutor. He wished to make it a good school and to impart instruction to farmers' sons, as well as teaching in theology and languages to candidates for the ministry. He had charge of an Ironworks in the neighbourhood. In 1759 he emigrated to America and his departure was a loss to Wales. The second tutor was Thomas Philips of Rhydwilym, of whom nothing is known. He may have been the son of Philip John, one of the ministers of Rhydwilym. The third was Caleb Evans; he is not mentioned by Rufus, but James found in the History of Dissenting Deputies that he taught at Trosnant. (Hanes y Bedyddwyr p 54). He was brought before the Bishop's court for keeping a school without a licence in 1739. He was a half-brother of Hugh Evans, Bristol. He received his education at Bristol. After a short period at Trosnant he removed to Brynbuga, Monmouthshire, (ie Usk) where he kept a school in his house for about twenty years. He removed to Bristol about 1764; he died there in 1790. John Matthews was the fourth tutor. He hailed from Swansea and it was in his time that the Acaddemy flourished best. He had five or six very able students. ...

2. Abergavenny 1807-1836

The tutor was the Rev. Micah Thomas. He was a learned person, possessing considerable knowledge of Latin, Greek, Hebrew, history and philosophy. As a tutor "he knew how to rule without taking upon him to be severe." He was one of the pioneers of an educated ministry in Wales. Though he was sole tutor, others helped him occasionally. Mr James Lewis, Llanwenarth,_ taught Welsh in 1806, and Mr John Rowland in 1817, and Mr Rees Davies in 1820 took his place. When the tutor was away collecting for the college Dr Wyke delivered lectures on natural philosophy (science) 1817-18. Mr Thomas was charged with holding Arminian views and certain students left the Academy in consequence. He resigned in 1836 due to failing health, but preached the annual sermon in 1843.

The Academy had no permanent home, but a house was rented. It was moved three or four times during its sojourn in Abergavenny. Students first went out 'collecting' in 1814, the first two being Ellis Evans (afterwards the well-known Baptist minister of Cefn mawr, near Ruabon) and Jenkin Thomas. In 1807 the amount collected was £130.15s.1d. In 1834 it was £268.6s.7d.

In the first years there were only three students at a time. In 1811 there were five, but in 1832 there were twice as many. Two years was the length of the course at first; in 1824 it was extended to three years. There was no library until 1810.

3. Pontypool 1836ff

In 1836 the Academy was removed to Pontypool, and the Rev Thomas Thomas of London, was invited to become President this was the term in vogue at this time, and also pastor of the newly formed church at Crane Street, as the college funds were not sufficient for the President to be without pastoral charge. A building was erected on the brow of the hill near old Penygarn chapel, where Miles Harri ministered for fifty years. It consisted of the president's house, the library, ten studies and ten bedrooms; a dining room and five other bedrooms were added in 1840. The cost of the building, including the purchase of the ground, was £1,840.5s.0d. It was enlarged in 1857 at a cost of from £500-800, a new wing being added - ten studies, ten bedrooms, two sick rooms and a large lecture room. The Rev Thomas Thomas had to teach theology, Hebrew, English, Classics, etc. to raise the funds for the new buildings, as well as to minister to the new English church.

(Note, The old Baptist Academy is now the Girls' Intermediate School)

The honorary degree of DD was conferred upon him by the Franklin College USA.As President of the College he was a strict disciplinarian; he had the highest ideal of conduct for students for the ministry and his success at Pontypool was great. In 1811 the Rev George Thomas became classics tutor thus relieving him of some of the work. Mr Thomas retired in 1877 after forty years' strenuous work and was presented with a testimonial of two thousand guineas.

Mr George Thomas, who was a humble, unassuming and very original man, did good work as a tutor. He was very different to Mr Thomas. He had not the President's grace of style and charm of manner, but was a greater scholar. He was a fine preacher but on the whole not a very effective teacher, as he was lacking in vim and could not impart much enthusiasm.

Ordination 1802

From The Baptist Annual Register 1801-1802 p 1113

Micah Thomas, late student with Dr Ryland, in the Bristol Academy, was, on the 29th of September, 1802, ordained Pastor over the Particular Baptist Church at Ryeford, near Ross, Herefordshire. Mr Watkins, of Capel-y-ffin began the service, by reading suitable portions of Scripture, and then prayed. Mr Williams of Cheltenham, delivered the introductory discourse, on the nature of a Gospel church; and received Mr Thomas's confession of faith. J Ryland prayed the ordination prayer, which was accompanied with imposition of hands by most of the Baptist ministers that were nearby. He then delivered the charge, from John XII. 26. Mr. Rowland, of Pershore, preached to the church, from Deuteronomy 38:1 Encourage him. Mr Bradley, of Coleford, concluded by prayer. Mr. Holrick, a neighbouring Independent minister, gave out the hymns.

Mr Ryland preached also in the evening, at the Independent meeting house in Ross, from Psalm LXXXIX, Blessed are the people that make a joyful sound, &c. It was a happy day. Friends from different parts enjoyed a pleasing interview with each other. The place was crowded; many people could not get in, and, above all, the presence of the Great Head of the church was enjoyed. Thomas has a pleasing prospect before him of doing good. Two or three places are opened for the gospel in neighbouring villages, where people flock in great numbers, to hear the word, and many pay particular attention to it. The members of the church are lively in the exercise of religion, and appear very affectionate to their minister. Herefordshire, though one of the most pleasant and fertile counties in England, is very barren with regard to religion. May this wilderness soon blossom like a rose.

W Nefydd Lewis on Micah Thomas

 LIFE AND MINISTRY OF REV. MICAH THOMAS

1776-1853

Not the least remarkable feature in the history of Bristol College is the help which it has rendered to similar institutions by furnishing to them men capable of discharging tutorial duties, and who have done so with conspicuous efficiency and usefulness. Among such must be assigned a most honourable place to the Rev Micah Thomas, the founder and first president of the Baptist College now located at Pontypool. The history of this distinguished minister and educator during the earlier years of his life may be compressed into half a dozen sentences.

He was born in the parish of Whitstone, Monmouthshire, on the 19th of February, 1776. His parents were of the yeoman class. When he was seventeen years of age he was baptised at Glascoed, and subsequently united with the church at Pen-y-garn, near Pontypool. About a year and a half afterwards he began to preach, and was much engaged in supplying the neighbouring churches until in his twenty-third year, he entered the College, over which Dr. Ryland was presiding with so much ability and success.

In 1802 he received an invitation from the church at Ryeford, in the county of Hereford, which he accepted. Here he remained for several years, honoured and useful. While at Ryeford Mr Thomas was accustomed to visit friends of his at Abergavenny, whose ancestors had been among the most influential and honoured members of the Baptist community, and whose descendants have maintained their principles and illustrated their virtues. To these, and especially to a lady among them, Mrs John Harris, of Govilon, Mr Thomas seems to have suggested the idea of establishing a theological college. At this time there was no Baptist college in Wales, Trosnant Academy, founded 1732, having been closed in 1770, and no Baptist church at Abergavenny. These friends, and particularly the lady mentioned, entered very heartily into the views of Mr Thomas and the result was that in 1817 he removed to Abergavenny to undertake the pastorate of a church yet to be formed and the presidency of a college yet to be established.

Such a step required both courage and faith in God; for there were series obstacles to be met and overcome, not the least of these being the prejudice which prevailed in Wales at that time, as it had previously done in England, and did still more or less against an educated ministry. Mr Thomas, however, had through both good report and evil report pursued the even tenor of his way, assured that that way was the way of duty and of effective service for God. The institution, humble as was its origin, and unpretending as was its appearance, grew and prospered. until it became a fountain of light and influence to the Welsh people. For thirty years its founder presided over it, exercising a powerful and beneficent influence upon the ministry and churches of the Principality. At the end of that period it removed to what was considered a more eligible situation for it at Pontypool. The church which Thomas founded at Abergavenny originally consisted of six members, including the pastor and his wife. For several years they had no place of worship which they could call their own, but at length, in 1816. they were enabled to erect a chapel, which was frequently, during Mr Thomas's ministry, enlarged. To the welfare of the people whom he gathered about him there, including the young on in the College, he devoted all his life and powers. and many of those who waited upon his ministry will be his glory and joy at the coming of the Lord.

He died on the 28th of November, 1853, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, the fifty-sixth of his ministry, and the forty-seventh of his pastorate at Abergavenny. On the 5th of December his remains were committed to the earth in the burial-ground attached to the chapel in which for so many years he had preached the gospel and on the following Sunday the Rev. J. Jenkyn Brown at that time at Reading (a fellow student at Bristol) preached a funeral sermon to a crowded and deeply-affected congregation.

Mr Thomas was not a great author. He wrote the circular letter on one occasion for the Association he was connected with when at Ryeford, on Religious education as a Duty incumbent on Parents, he wrote also several of the annual epistles of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Associations. Engaging in the Calvinistic controversy to the extent of preaching on the subject of Salvation of Sovereign Grace, he was requested by his people to print it, and complied. On the baptismal controversy he published two sermons, one in 1841, and the other in 1842. In 1843 he published a message he had addressed to the students of the college he had founded.

His chief claim to remembrance and honour from the body to which he belonged is based upon the fact that he was the pioneer of ministerial education among the Welsh Baptists, founding the second oldest of our British Baptist colleges, and being for a lengthened period its founder and leader.

This is the text of a typed manuscript in the National Libraey of Wales that was prepared for Faithful Men or Memorials of Bristol Baptist College and some of its distinguished Alumni by Stephen Albert Swaine