Born 15 November 1882, son of Robert and Ellen Roberts, at 3 Libanus Terrace, Bontnewydd, Caernarfonshire. From the elementary school he went to Caernarfon county school, the University College, Bangor (1901-1904), Bala Theological College, and for a year to the universities of Berlin and Marburg. From 1908-1912 he was assistant lecturer in Hebrew at Glasgow University. Ordained in 1912 he was minister of Maenofferen, Blaenau Ffestiniog 1912-21, Fitzclarence St., Liverpool 1921-29, Capel Tegid and the English Church, Bala, and Llanfor 1929-45. On 18 August 1921 he married Sarah Ann Davies, eldest daughter of G.G. Davies, Glan-y-pwll Villa, Blaenau Ffestiniog. He contributed widely to Biblical studies, writing textbooks, Hanes yr Hebreaid, a commentary on Haggai and Zechariah, and numerous articles to denominational periodicals. He also contributed to the International Bible Standard Encyclopaedia. He was sub-editor of the Geiriadur Beiblaidd, and general editor of the Geiriadur Diwinyddol projected by the University of Wales whose publication was prevented by World War II. From 1929 to 1945 he was one of the editors of the Traethodydd, and served the theological section of the Guild of Graduates as secretary and president, making valuable contributions to the new translation of the Scriptures published by the University. He was secretary of the Sunday school committee of the General Assembly from 1932-37, secretary of the North Wales Association from 1936 to 1938 and again in 1940, Moderator of the North Wales Association in 1941. Later he was appointed secretary for north Wales of the Reconstruction Commission of his Church.
In all his varied work he was conscientious and thorough, combining great strength of conviction with sincerity and magnanimity of spirit.
He died at Bala 9 September 1945 and was buried at Caeathro.
Published date: 2001
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