Jonathan and Dan visit one of the most famous locations in Welsh church history: Pantycelyn Farm, just outside Llandovery, home of William Williams (1717-1791), one of the greatest hymn writers of all time, author of over 800 hymns, including 'Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah' and 'Jesus, Jesus, all-sufficient.' We were joined by Nathan Munday, who did his PhD on Williams, and he filmed an interview for us, speaking about the man and his ministry. We also meet Cecil Williams, current owner of the farm, and the great, great, great, great grandson of William Williams. Not only has the farm house not changed much since the 18th century, but it's stayed within the family for six generations. The house is full of memorabilia, and seven visitors books dating back to 1905.
William Williams was a contemporary of Daniel Rowland and Howell Harris, and was converted as a young medical student, passing by Talgarth churchyard when Howell Harris was preaching. God called him to abandon a career in medicine and go into the ministry to become a physician of souls. Not only was he a prolific hymn writer, but also a powerful preacher and a writer of books. He was wise, discerning, and a key pastoral figure and leader for the multitude of converts across Wales throughout the 18th century during the Methodist Revival. He was also an important mediator between Rowland and Harris when the two of them fell out and parted company over theological differences. Harris was the more wayward theologically, but Williams always ensured he didn't lose contact with him, recognising that all Christians are one family, regardless of denomination or theology, and eventually Harris and Rowland were reconciled. Around the same time, perhaps as a sign of blessing over the unity of the brethren, a powerful revival broke out in 1762 at Llangeitho (where Williams was assistant to Daniel Rowland), centred around a new hymn book by Williams which gave voice to the joy and life in the new converts.
Buy 'Welsh Awakenings' here: www.pughproductions.com/welsh....