HUGHES, GRIFFITH (1775 - 1839), Congregational minister

Born at Pen-y-waun, Cwmifor, parish of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire. He was apprenticed as a cooper with Evan Rhydderch, Llansadwrn, father of Nani Jones, Crug-y-bar, a well-known religious character in that neighbourhood. His master and mother were members at Crug-y-bar where also he was received into church membership. He soon became very prominent because of his gift of prayer which was displayed in week-night meetings held in private houses. On the advice of Isaac Price, Llanwrtyd, who had the oversight of the cause at Crug-y-bar, he began to preach; his reputation as a preacher spread rapidly. He received a call to Groes-wen, near Caerphilly, was ordained 22 February 1797, and spent the whole of his ministerial life there; he died 20 July 1839. He possessed all the attributes of the gifted preacher - a cheerful temper, a clear voice, ease of speech, fire, thunder, and a popular style. In his time Groes-wen became the mother-church of many new causes and a spiritual centre. He travelled much to succour young churches in a district extending from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff and from Bedwas to Efail Isaf.

Author

• Reverend John Dyfnallt Owen, (1873 - 1956)

Sources

• Hanes Eglwysi Annibynnol Cymru, ii, 377, 382-8
• Josiah Thomas Jones, Geiriadur Bywgraffyddol o Enwogion Cymru (Aberdâr 1867-70), i, 537-40
• Y Tadau Anibynnol (Caernarfon 1898–1900), vi

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20733092

Published date: 1959

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