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.

Ordination 1802

At the time of his ordination in 1802 brief reports appeared in the Christian press such as this one:

SEPT 19 the Rev Micah Thomas (late a student in the Academy at Bristol) was appointed pastor of the Baptist church at Ryeford, near Ross, Herefordshire, when the following Brethren engaged in the service Mr. Watkins, of Capel-y-ffin, began by reading* and prayer; Mr. Williams of Cheltenham, delivered a short introductory discourse;** Dr. Ryland prayed, and addressed Mr. Thomas, from John xii. 26;^ Mr. Rowland of Pershore preached to the church from Deuter. i. 38.;^^ Mr. Bradley, of Coleford, concluded in prayer. There was a service in the evening at Mr. George's meeting; at Ross, where Mr. King of Ledbury prayed, and Dr. Ryland preached from Psalm lxxxix. 15. — The Baptist church at Ryeford is of long standing, having been first gathered by Mr. John Skinner, one of the ejected ministers in 1662, who was before minister of the parish of Weston.

(George Watkins was pastor of Capel y Ffin; H H Williams was pastor in Cheltenham; John Rowland was pastor in Pershore; William Bradley was pastor of Coleford. John Ryland was principal of the Bristol Baptist College. We are not sure who Mr George and Mr King were.)

* 1 Timothy 3 according to a note in a notebook of Thomas's held in the Gwent Archive, Ebbw Vale.
** He also received the confession of faith (same source as above).
^ A sketch of this charge was subsequently published
^^ "Encourage him" Thomas adds
MT also adds that the hymns were given out by Mr Horlick of Ruardean.