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.
