Christmas Samuel facts for kids

Christmas Samuel (born in 1674 – died on 18 June 1764) was an important Welsh minister and writer. He was part of a Christian group called the Independents, who believed churches should be self-governing.

He was born in a town called Llanegwad in Carmarthenshire, Wales. His family was quite well-off. From a young age, Christmas Samuel felt called to preach, which means to give religious talks. By 1707, he was already leading the church at Panteg, even though he hadn't officially become a minister yet. He was formally made a minister on 23 September 1711, because his church members wanted him to be.

Who Was Christmas Samuel?

Christmas Samuel was a dedicated religious leader in Wales during the 1700s. He spent his life serving his community and helping people learn. He is remembered for his work as a minister and for his contributions to education and writing in the Welsh language.

Early Life and Ministry

Christmas Samuel grew up in a comfortable home in Llanegwad. He started giving religious talks when he was still young. By 1707, he was already leading a church in Panteg. This was a big responsibility, even before he was officially ordained. To be "ordained" means to be formally recognized as a minister through a special ceremony. This happened for Christmas Samuel in 1711, after his church members asked for it.

Helping Education in Wales

Christmas Samuel was a strong supporter of Griffith Jones (Llanddowror). Griffith Jones was famous for starting "circulating schools" in Wales. These schools were very important because they moved from village to village, teaching children and adults to read. They especially helped people learn to read the Bible in Welsh. Christmas Samuel believed deeply in this effort to spread education and help more people learn.

His Writings

Christmas Samuel was also a writer. He either wrote, helped write, or helped publish several books. These books were printed in the Welsh language by a printing press in Trefhedyn in Cardiganshire. His writings helped share religious ideas and knowledge with Welsh speakers. About five years before he passed away, Christmas Samuel became blind.

What is a Catechism?

One of his well-known works was called Catecism o'r Scrythur (1719). A catechism is a book that teaches religious beliefs through questions and answers. It's like a textbook for learning about faith. His other work was Lloffion y Gwr Tywyll (1759), which means "Gleanings of the Blind Man." This title is special because he had become blind by the time this book was published.