Peter Williams (Welsh Methodist)

Peter Williams (1723–1796) was a prominent leader of Welsh Methodism in the eighteenth century, best known for publishing Welsh-language bibles and bible commentary.

Peter Williams
Born15 January 1723
Died8 August 1796 (1796-08-09) (aged 73)
Spouse(s)Mary Jenkins
ChildrenEliezer Williams (1754-1820), Peter Bailey Williams (1763-1836)

Personal life

Williams was born on 15 January 1723 at West Marsh Farm in Laugharne [1] in Carmarthenshire, the son of Owen and Elizabeth Williams.[2] While a student at Carmarthen Grammar School in 1743, he was converted to Methodism after hearing a sermon by George Whitefield.[2] For a short time, he was the schoolmaster at Cynwyl Elfed.[2] He was ordained a deacon in 1745. In 1748, he married Mary Jenkins. He had two children Eliezer Williams (1754-1820) and Peter Bailey Williams (1763-1836).

Career

He was refused ordination as a priest due to his Methodist beliefs and became associated with Water Street Chapel Carmarthen. He joined the Methodists in 1747 and began to tour the country preaching. He began to publish copies of Welsh language bibles at an affordable price. The first edition was published and sold out in 1770 and there was a demand for many more editions.[2] In due course Williams produced thousands of copies of Welsh language bibles which remained popular for several generations.

Williams produced commentaries on biblical chapters. However, his commentary on John 1 led to suggestions that he sympathized with Sabellianism. In 1791, the matter came to a head at a Methodist Association at Llandeilo and Williams was expelled.[2]

Death

His last years were spent in conflict with the Methodists. At this time Williams denied them use of the chapel in Water Street.[3] Williams died at Llandyfaelog on 8 August 1796.

Careers of his sons

Eliezer Williams and Peter Bailey Williams were educated at Carmarthen grammar school and Jesus College, Oxford. Both became clergymen in the Established Church.

Eliezer Williams was Vicar of Lampeter (1805 to 1820).[4]

Peter Bailey Williams was Rector of Llanberis and Llanrug (1792-1836). In 1798 he led the first recorded rock climb in Britain.[5]

References
  1. West Marsh Farm, Laugharne Parish 1836 Tithe Map (NLW).
  2. Roberts, Gomer M. "Peter Williams, Methodist cleric, author, and Biblical commentator". Dictionary of Welsh Biography. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
  3. "Local Information Sheet 31: Carmarthen" (PDF). Capel. The Chapels Heritage Society. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
  4. Williams, Eliezer (1754-1820), T.I. Ellis (1959), Dictionary of Welsh Biography / Welsh Biography Online
  5. Williams, Peter Bailey (1763-1836), G.T. Roberts and I.B. Rees (1959) Dictionary of Welsh Biography / Welsh Biography Online

Sources
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