Dictionary of Welsh Biography



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FRIMSTON, THOMAS (Tudur Clwyd ; 1854-1930), Baptist minister, historian and antiquary; b. 28 July 1854 at Rhuddlan, son of Thomas (son of Thomas and Jane) Frimston, and brother of John Frimston, pastor of Trehafod (d. 1930). He was admitted to Llangollen Baptist College in 1876, and served the pastorates of Llangefni (1879-82), Brynhyfryd, Swansea (1882-7), Garn Dolbenmaen and Capel-y-beirdd (1887-93), Llangefni (1893-1904, when the Christmas Evans Memorial chapel was erected), and finally Old Colwyn (1904-30). He m. 13 June 1882, S. E. Roberts (d. 1 May 1927), daughter of Edward Roberts, Llangollen; five children were born of the marriage. He d. 12 May 1930.

Frimston is best remembered for his researches into Welsh Baptist history, e.g. Ebenezer: Hanes Eglwys Fedyddiedig, Llangefni, 1897; Canrif o Ymdrechion Bedyddwyr Môn, 1902; and several contributions to Baptist periodicals, especially on Flintshire Baptists in Y Greal, 1907-10, 1917, and on Anglesey Baptists in Seren Gomer, 1925-6. Other works by him were published, e.g. Y Cyssonydd Ysgrythyrol, 1885; Crefydd ym Mhlwyf Rhiwabon, 1890; Ofergoelion yr Hen Gymry (n.d.); and Holwyddoreg Ysgrythyrol (n.d.); and he was a contributor to Y Gwyddoniadur Cymreig. He also won two prizes for essays submitted to the national eisteddfod, at Rhyl (1892) on Flintshire antiquities, and at Pontypridd (1893) on Welsh emigration to America. He was secretary of the Books Society of the Welsh Baptists, and was president of the Baptist Associations of Anglesey (1897) and Denbigh, Flint and Merioneth (1926).

Bibliography:

  • Ser. G., 1932, 1-5 (portrait);
  • Ser. Cymru, 6 June 1930;
  • Bapt. Hdbk., 1931;
  • Denbigh, Flint and Meirioneth Assc. Letter, 1926, 5 (portrait);
  • Cardiff Catalogue (J. H. Davies's personal copy in N.L.W.).

Author:

Benjamin George Owens, M.A., Aberystwyth