THOMAS, MICAH (1778 - 1853), Baptist minister and academy tutor

Born 19 February 1778 at Whitson, Monmouthshire, son of a farmer, who was a member of New Inn Independent church. Later his parents settled at Llangibby, and he was sent to school, first at Tredunnock and then at Trosnant, Pontypool. In 1795 he joined the Pen-y-garn Baptist church, began to preach in 1796. He entered Bristol Baptist Academy in February 1801, and was ordained at Ryeford, Herefordshire, 19 September 1802. In January 1807 he removed to Abergavenny, where he accomplished the great work of his life, rendering invaluable service as president of the Baptist Academy, opened that year and transferred to Pontypool, after his resignation, 1836, and as minister of Frogmore Street English Baptist church until his death 28 November 1853.

He married (1) Sophia Wall of Ross; (2) Rachel Harris, daughter of John Harris, Govilon, and grand-daughter of the Rev. Morgan Harry, Blaenau Gwent.

Devout, scholarly, and resolute of will, Thomas stood for a better-educated ministry, and strove to supply it. His administration and discipline were criticized, and even his Calvinistic orthodoxy, but he was undeterred. His ideals eventually prevailed, and the importance of his work was gratefully recognised. Three of his 103 old students became the first heads of three Baptist colleges : Pontypool, Haverfordwest, and Llangollen.

Author

• Reverend Edward William Price Evans, (1887 - 1972)

Sources

• Seren Gomer, 1854 and 1855
• Josiah Thomas Jones, Geiriadur Bywgraffyddol o Enwogion Cymru (Aberdâr 1867-70), ii, 595

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20748860

Published date: 1959

Article Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/