Enoch Francis facts for kids

Enoch Francis (1688–1740) was an important Welsh Baptist minister. He was known for his powerful preaching and for leading many people in his faith. He lived a long time ago, in the 17th and 18th centuries, and played a big role in the Baptist community in Wales.

Early Life and Ministry

Enoch Francis was born in 1688. His birthplace was a spot called Pantyllaethdy, right by the Teifi river in Wales. He felt a calling to preach when he was quite young, starting his work in 1707.

He first served as a minister at a place called Capel Iago, in Llanbyther. Later, in 1730, he moved to Newcastle Emlyn, which is in Carmarthenshire. This move was a new chapter in his ministry.

A Respected Leader

Enoch Francis quickly became one of the most well-liked and successful ministers in his church group. People really enjoyed listening to him preach.

In 1730, he was chosen to be the moderator for the Baptist association meeting in Hengoed, Glamorganshire. A moderator is like a chairperson or a leader who helps guide a meeting. This particular meeting was a bit difficult. People had very strong disagreements about certain religious ideas, like "general redemption." Enoch Francis had to work hard to keep everyone calm and help them talk things through. He was good at helping people with different opinions find common ground.

His Final Years

Enoch Francis passed away on February 4, 1740. His wife, Mary, had died a few months before him, on August 23, 1739, at the age of 49.

The words on their tombstone tell us something special about them. For Enoch, it says "Enoch walked with God." For Mary, it says "Mary has chosen the better part." These phrases show how deeply religious they were. A historian who wrote about Baptists ended his story of Enoch Francis with a poem written by Jenkin Thomas.