Thomas Johns (minister)

Thomas Johns (26 November 1836–1914) was a Welsh Independent (Congregationalist) minister, best known for his pastorate at Capel Als, Llanelli, and of the largest chapels in Wales, from 1869 until his death in 1914.

Early life and career

Thomas Johns was born in Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, on 26 November 1836.^[1] At the age of thirteen he was received into church membership at Tabor, Llanwrda, by Thomas Jones, the father to Brynmor Jones.^[1] He began to preach in 1858 and the following year he attended Llandovery School before training for the ministry at Brecon Theological College.^[1] His first pastorate was at Ebenezer. Caernarfonshire, now known as Deiniolen.^[2]

Ministry at Llanelli

In 1869, he received a unanimous invitation to succeed David Rees as pastor of Capel Als.^[3] The invitation was accepted, and thus began a connection with Llanelly which remained until his death.

A new schoolroom was built early in his pastorate, and in 1875 a group of members were released to form a new church at Tabernacle, towards the eost of which Capel Als contributed a significant sum.^[3] In 1895, Capel Als itself was re-built at a cost of £5,000.^[3] Johns played a prominent role in the establishment of the Welsh Congregationalist Union, of which he was president in 1890.^[3]

Public life

Johns did not confine his activities to the pulpit and became a leading member of both the Llanelly School Board and Carmarthenshire County Council.

Thomas Johns died in September 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. One of his last public acts was to declare his support for the war effort.^[1] He was buried at Llanelli Cemetery.

References