Anglican clergyman and pioneer of Welsh Calvinistic Methodism. Born at Nantcwnlle, Cardiganshire, he was ordained deacon in 1734, and priest in 1735. He then served as a curate in the parishes of Llangeitho and Nantcwnlle under his brother John and later his own son John. He was deeply influenced by Griffith Jones of Llandowror and, having met Howell Harris during 1737, he enlarged the sphere of his activity in order to promote the revival in Wales. Following his split with Harris and the division of the movement in 1750, Rowland continued his revival work, preaching well beyond the confines of his parish. When a new revival occurred at Llangeitho in 1762, he was deprived of his curacy and his followers built him a chapel there. He was one of the earliest of Welsh hymn-writers. Some of his hymns, sermons and translations into Welsh have appeared in print, but it was for his powerful preaching that Rowland was renowned.

Entry written by: GT
Category: Person
Comment on this entry