CHARLES, JAMES (1846-1920), Independent minister and theologian;
b. [6 Dec. 1846] at Gelli-Fach near Llanddowror [son of David and Mary Charles]. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Waunmabli farm, about three miles south-west of Carmarthen, where he was brought up with a view to the ministry. From Parc-y-felfed preparatory school (at Carmarthen) he went to the Independent college at Bala, and after four years there received a call to Llanuwchllyn. In 1883 he went to Oswestry, and in 1892 to Swan Lane, Denbigh, where he laboured assiduously for twenty-five years. He retired in 1917 and d. 20 Dec. 1920. He was recognized as a leader in his denomination. For a short time in the course of his first ministry he acted as deputy principal of Bala Independent college; he was chairman of the Union of Welsh Independents in 1916 and was one of the editors of Y Dysgedydd from 1918 until his death. He also took part in politics, but his main interest continued to be theology. He published Emanuel, 1890; Esponiad ar Lyfr Amos (a commentary), 1900; Esponiad ar Epistol I Ioan, 1900; Iawn a Thadolaeth (Atonement and Fatherhood), 1905; Agoriad i Ddiwinyddiaeth y Testament Newydd (an introduction to the theology of the N.T.), 1915. In 1942 Y Cysegr Sancteiddiolaf (The Holy of Holies) was published; this was a collection of his writings with a short memoir. He sought in his books to reconcile the scientific pronouncements of his generation with orthodox doctrine, but his work was thoughtful rather than original.
Bibliography:
- Y Dysgedydd, xcv, 245, xcvi, 375, c, 31;
- R. T. Jenkins, Hen Gapel Llanuwchllyn, 188;
- [Blackwell].
Author:
Rev. Thomas Eirug Davies, M.A., B.D. (1892-1951), Lampeter
