Benjamin Evans (minister) facts for kids

Benjamin Evans (born February 23, 1740 – died March 2, 1821) was an important Welsh minister. He was known for his strong beliefs and for writing many books and letters.

Evans was born in a place called Ffynon-Adda, in Meline, Pembrokeshire, Wales. This was on February 23, 1740. When he was a young minister in Llanuwchllyn, he faced some difficulties. People tried to stop him from leading church services. He even had to ask a high court, the King's Bench, for a special order (called a mandamus) so he could lead services peacefully.

Moving and Ministry Work

In 1777, Benjamin Evans moved to Haverfordwest. Then, on June 24, 1779, he moved to Drewen in Cardiganshire. He was very much liked there and stayed until he passed away on March 3, 1821.

When he arrived in Drewen, his first big task was to help the church go back to its original beliefs. The minister before him had introduced some different ideas. Evans was very clever and patient. He slowly and successfully guided the church members back to their main beliefs, which were common at that time.

Important Debates and Writings

Around 1788, a big discussion started about baptism. Some Baptists in the area were very active. They gave out many leaflets to the church members. This meant that Benjamin Evans had to speak up and defend his church's views.

Historians say that the letters written by Evans on one side, and Dr. William Richards on the other, were some of the best writings on the topic of baptism. Benjamin Evans helped his fellow Welsh people a lot, both by speaking in church and by writing.

His Published Works

Benjamin Evans wrote several books and letters, all in the Welsh language. Here are some of his important works:

• A translation of a sermon about a gunpowder explosion in Chester, written by Dr. J. Jenkins, published in 1772.
• Letters on Baptism, published in 1788. A second edition came out in 1789, with more information to answer Dr. Richards.
• Sufferings of the Black Men in Jamaica, &c., published in 1789 (he didn't put his name on this one).
• The Waitings of the Black Men in the Sugar Islands (this was also published without his name).
• A poem about baptism, written in 1790, to answer the Rev. Benjamin Francis.
• A translation of the Rev. Matthias Maurice's book 'Social Religion', published in 1797.
• Two catechisms (which are like question-and-answer guides for learning):

* One was about 'On the great Principles of Religion'. * The other was 'On the Principles of Non-Nonconformity'.

• Four sermons about how to live a good, practical religious life.