GRIFFITHS, DAVID (1756-1834), Methodist cleric;
b. at Felinwlân, Lampeter Velfrey, Pembs., son of John Griffiths. He was educated at Pembroke grammar-school and, c. 1774, was appointed private tutor to the Bowen family (q.v.) of Llwyn-gwair, Nevern, where he came into contact with some of the principal Methodist leaders. He m. the eldest daughter of his patron. He was ordained deacon by the bishop of S. Davids, 16 Oct. 1779, and priest, 2 Sept. 1780; and was appointed vicar of Nevern, a Crown presentation, 2 Dec. 1783. A fluent preacher, he constantly ministered to the Methodist communities and frequented their societies. He opposed their claim to ordain ministers, however, and in 1811 left them and took possession of their chapels at Nevern, Eglwyswrw, and S. Dogmaels. After that he confined his activities to his own parish. He was one of the executors of the will of Bridget Bevan (q.v.), and did a great deal for education after the money left by the will had been made available. He d. 18 Sept. 1834 at Berry Hill, Newport, Pembs., and was buried in Nevern church.
His brother, JOHN GRIFFITH, was a student at the countess of Huntingdon's college at Trevecka. In 1795, in Spa Fields chapel, he was ordained a minister in the countess's connexion but later became an Independent. He was a minister in several places in England but, in his old age, returned to die in his brother's house at Lampeter Velfrey. There he was buried. Josiah Thomas Jones (q.v.), printer and publisher of the Geiriadur Bywgraffyddol, was a nephew of the two brothers.
Bibliography:
- Drys., 1834, 344;
- Tadau Meth., ii, 329-36;
- J.T.J., i, 417, 431;
- D. E. Jenkins, Life of Thomas Charles, ii, 46, 299.
Author:
Rev. Gomer Morgan Roberts, M.A., (1904-93), Pont-rhyd-y-fen / St Dogmael's / Llandybïe
