PARRY, DAVID (1794-1877), cleric;
b. 1794 at Llan-gan, near Whitland, Carms., son of David Parry and Dorothy his wife. He was educated at Ystrad Meurig and Carmarthen grammar schools, and ordained deacon in March 1818 by bishop Burgess of S. Davids. He was licensed as curate to the parish of Crinow, near Narberth, and, in April 1819, to Llandisilio (near Clyndernwen) also. He received priest's orders in June 1819, and in Nov. 1821, was preferred to the vicarage of Llywel, Brecknock, where he remained for over forty years. In May 1862 he was collated to the living of Defynnog with Ystradfellte. He held this until his death at Defynnog on 22 Oct. 1877. He was buried at Defynnog. He m. Mary, daughter of David Herbert (q.v.). Parry was a devoted parish priest and one of the most famous preachers of his day. He was known as ‘Y Gloch Arian’ (‘the silver bell’). A scholarship was founded in his name at S. David's College, Lampeter, and there is a portrait of him in the vestry of Defynnog parish church.
Bibliography:
- Asaph (Em. W.);
- Yr Haul, Nov. and Dec. 1877;
- S. David's episcopal registers, N.L.W.;
- private enquiries.
Author:
Thomas Iorwerth Ellis, M.A., (1899-1970), Aberystwyth
