BEVAN, HOPKIN (1765-1839), Calvinistic Methodist minister,
was b. 4 May 1765 at Gellifwnwr (or Cilfwnwr), Llangyfelach, the son of Rees and Mary Bevan, received a smattering of education at Llangyfelach and Swansea, joined the Methodists in Gopa-fach in 1788, and was ordained in the first Methodist Association for the ordaining of ministers held at Llandilo in 1811. He was a popular preacher and, according to the custom of those days, toured the country from end to end; he was also a writer of books and of hymns, and published Marwnad…Griffydd Morgans (an elegy) (Caerfyrddin, I. Daniel, 1796), Hymnau a Phenillion (hymns) (Abertawy, E. Griffiths, 1838), Ychydig Hanes neu Goffawdwriaeth (Abertawy, E. Griffiths, 1838). In the two latter books there are several hymns and elegies, and the last, in particular, is a valuable chronicle of the beginnings of Methodism in Glamorgan. His autobiography was published by his son in 1840, and his verse was collected by his biographer in 1899. He d. 29 Dec. 1839 and was buried in the aisle of Bethel chapel, Llangyfelach.
Bibliography:
- Ychydig o Hanes Bywyd y Parch. H. Bevan, 1840;
- W. Samlet Williams, Cofiant Hopkin Bevan, 1899;
- W. Samlet Williams, Hanes Meth. Gorllewin Morgannwg, 173-4;
- Cylch. Cymd. Hanes M.C., ii, 44-7, 74-8, vii, 68-72.
Author:
Rev. Gomer Morgan Roberts, M.A., (1904-93), Pont-rhyd-y-fen / St Dogmael's / Llandybïe
