Kathryn Jenkins facts for kids

Kathryn Jenkins (born June 9, 1961 – died May 3, 2009) was a smart Welsh scholar. She loved the Welsh language and its culture. She was especially known for studying and writing hymns in Welsh. Hymns are religious songs.

Life

Kathryn Jenkins was born in Tonypandy, Wales. She was the only child of Clement and Marion Jenkins. Her father was an engineer. Even though her parents spoke only a little Welsh, they were very active in their church. This was Bethania, a Presbyterian church in Llwynypia. Welsh was spoken there. This is where Kathryn first learned about Welsh hymns. This became her main interest in life.

Education and Career

Kathryn went to grammar school in Tonypandy from 1972 to 1979. She became a skilled pianist and organist. She also earned high grades in music.

After school, she went to Aberystwyth University. In 1982, she earned a top degree in Welsh. Right after that, she received a special scholarship. This allowed her to continue her studies at the same university from 1982 to 1985. She worked as a research student. This means she spent her time studying a specific topic in depth.

For a short time, she worked at Coleg Trefeca. This is a center for the Presbyterian Church of Wales. Then, in 1988, she went back to Aberystwyth University. She worked there as a research fellow. Later, she became a lecturer in Welsh. This was at St David's University College in Lampeter.

In 1999, Kathryn joined the new Welsh Parliament. This is where laws are made for Wales. She first worked as a deputy editor. Then she became a Committee Clerk. She held this important job until she died in 2009.

Kathryn Jenkins became well-known as a historian of literature. She also became a respected literary critic. She wrote many articles about Welsh literature from the 1800s and 1900s. Her favorite topic was Welsh hymns. She especially studied the work of William Williams Pantycelyn. He is seen as Wales's most important hymn writer. His role in Welsh hymn history was the topic of her PhD study. She wrote many articles about his work.

Other Important Roles

Besides her professional jobs, Kathryn was also a lay preacher in her church. This means she could give sermons. In 1986, she was chosen as a church elder.

In 1993, she was honored by the Gorsedd of Bards. This is a group that supports Welsh writing, poetry, and music. She also became a member of the Court of the University of Wales in 1996. She joined the University's Board of Celtic Studies. She also led the education board for the Presbyterian Church of Wales. From 1993 to 1998, she was President of Coleg y Bala (Bala college).

Kathryn had many interests. But her work with the Welsh Hymn Society was most important to her. She worked there as a communications officer, secretary, and treasurer. From 1998 until her death, she was the President. She also served on the committee of the Hymn Society of Great Britain and Ireland. She gave a lecture at an international conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2003.

Personal Life

Kathryn Jenkins married Alan Jones in 1993. They did not have any children. She died suddenly at her home in Llangybi, Ceredigion, on May 3, 2009. She was 47 years old. Her funeral was held at Maesyffynnon chapel in Llangybi on May 11.