Sermon Classes

Again in the 1966 article we read

In Britain, throughout the years the main method of teaching homiletics has been the sermon class, supplemented by some lectures on rhetoric, given normally by the Principal. The purpose of the sermon class was defined by Micah Thomas of Pontypool, "To furnish an opportunity for detecting false grammar, promoting a natural and just arrangement and pointing out any erroneous construction that may be laid on divine truth". The problem at Abergavenny was a peculiar one, for few students who entered there had any knowledge of the English language for the first purpose of this academy was to teach English to Welsh preachers, so that they could serve those parts of the Principality, mainly English speaking, which were almost devoid of an evangelical ministry. The approach to homiletics however was the same as in the other colleges. At Bristol, about the same time, each student took his turn to read an essay or sermon in the lecture room, for subsequent criticism. This exercise fell to each man about four times a session. Each month the juniors prepared sermon sketches for the criticism of the tutors, and every two months the seniors prepared full sermon drafts, which received similar treatment. There have been many who have felt that such help that was given to future preachers was hopelessly inadequate, especially in view of the infrequency of a student's opportunity to preach before the class.

Ministerial Training

In an article in the Bapotist Quarterly in 1966 we read these words:

In Wales some attempts had been made to provide an educated ministry in the first half of the eighteenth century. Towards the end of the fourth decade John Griffiths of Hengoed gathered a few students for training, at Trosnant near Pontypool, a work which lasted about until 1770. These were the years of Awakening in the Principality. In 1741 the Association at Blaenau Gwent had discussed the possibility of a denominational college but the resources of Baptists at that time were considered inadequate. It was in 1806, under the inspiration of Micah Thomas, that a work was begun at Abergavenny which has continued ever since and is now comprehended in the South Wales Baptist College. It is noteworthy that Thomas was largely under the influence of Andrew Fuller and the academy he led was modelled on his old college at Bristol. It was the evangelical spirit of the second half of the eighteenth century which convinced Baptists to the need of ministerial education and they sought to produce a preaching ministry able to capture the imagination of the age.

Aenon House

Aenon House where the Abergavenny Academy was is now a B&B

This plaque is found on the wall of Aenon House

South Wales Baptist College

The South Wales Baptist College was founded at Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, 1807 by Micah Thomas. He acted as president until 1835.

In 1836 it moved to Pontypool, Monmouthshire.

It moved again in 1893 to Cardiff, Glamorgan, where a hostel in Richmond Road, previously used for women students attending the university was acquired. The College students were able to attend Cardiff University (formerly UCW, Cardiff). The College continues to teach religious and theological studies in partneship with Cardiff University.

Micah Thomas was succeeded by:

Thomas Thomas (1805-1881) first President of the Academy in Pontypool, 1836-1876

Rev Dr William Edwards, president, 1880-1925, who oversaw the relocation of the college to Cardiff

Rev Thomas Phillips, Principal 1928-1936

Rev Thomas Williams Chance (1872-1954) Principal 1936-1944.

Their current website is here.