[Original spelling preserved. Some punctuation changes.]
I John Price am the seccond son of
William and Sarah Price of Twyn Blaen-nant, in the Parish of Blaina Gwent+ County of Monmouth,
where I was born on the 12th day of April 1820. [insert from opposite page: I was married May
14th, 1842 to Margaret 2nd daughter of Isaac &
Margaret James of Beaufort Iron works Breconshire.] ,
[Overstrike: She died April]
I was baptized on the 7th
day of April 1844 by William Evans Priest and Confirmed the following week by
Elder William Davies president of the Rhymney Branch Merthyr Conference.
I was ordained a priest in council
at the house of Elder W. Henshaw on the 30th day of December 1845 under
the hands of Elders Abel Evans and William Evans, after which I went about the
Branches preaching the Gospel, as directed by the Council at Merthyr still
following my work as a miner.
(Page 2)
Soon after I was ordained a priest
my beloved wife was baptised by Elder William Evans to the great annoyance of
her parents who were rank Westlyan Methodists but she continued faithful in the
kingdom of God till in April 14, 1846 she died rejoicing in the blessings of
the gospel leaving a son under my care as the fruit of our short but happy
union.
After the death of my beloved wife
I was more at liberty from the cares of the world, which I used for the
furtherance of the gospel.
On July 11th I baptised
Margaret Edwards at Rhymney+
and on the 19th baptised Daniel Birch and Jane his wife at Sirhowy,
Monmouthshire.
In the latter end of July I
(Page 3)
was counselled by Captain Dan Jones then President of the
Church in Wales to go on a mission to Pembrokeshire, which I instantly obeyed,
leaving my child in the care of my mother in law.
I started for Pembrokeshire in
company with Cap Jones and Elder John Holliday president of the Bristol
Conference, who were on their way to Liverpool+
we landed at Milford about 1 o-clock in the morning, where I left Elders Jones
& Halliday, and came as a lonely stranger to the house of Mrs. Obrey of
Pembroke dock, and was kindly received, and entertained by her and family. On
the following morning I went to Penbroke to visit two sisters Mary and Dorothy
Ormond who received me as an
(Page 4)
angel from heaven, for before my coming they had not seen
one of the servants of God for a long time, so my arrival was to them a source
of joy, and they were to me a means of support during my stay in the country.
I commenced preaching at Pater,
Pembroke, Monkton, Marloes, to large congregations, and on 19th of
September I baptised Mary Hughes at Marloes. About this time George Davies
Priest was sent from Rhymney to assist me.
When he came, we commenced
travelling together through the county preaching in every place where we could
get an opening. We preached at Lawrenny, John Griffiths, shoemaker received us
and procured a house for us to preach in , who
(Page 5)
was soon after baptised in company with James Eynon ferryman
and his daughter, they have all continued faithful till now. Next we visited
Tenby and preached at the house of William Griffiths, brother to the above John
Griffith, who fed us and lodged us courteously.
We preached at Creswell Quay at the
house of a sister to the above John & Wm. Griffiths, from that to
Blackbridge near Milford at the house of a man named Lewis. He received us
kindly but was very poor. On October 2nd /46 baptised Charlotte
Davies at pembroke, on 6th Dec baptised Elizabeth Harries at
Marloes. , On 19th December baptised
Margaret Obery at Patter.
About this time we visited the Town
of Narberth, had permition with an
(Page 6)
Independent preacher of the name B. R. Thomas to preach in a
schoolroom which was at his disposal, had a large congregation of worthless
beings who never offered us any kindness at all , but left us lodge in a public
house at our own expense.
Next morning we went to a village
called Maenclochog among the Welsh people, had permission to preach in a stable
to a large congregation, here we were served the same as at Narberth , we had a
few pamphlets for sale and this procured a few pence to pay for our lodgings in
a public house.
Next morning we started for
Fishguard, attended a prayer meeting in the Baptist chapel, George Davies had
permission to preach a little to the congregation, he shewed the
(Page 7)
first principles of the gospel and bore a faithful testimony
of the restoration of the priesthood to the Prophet Joseph Smith, & and
which they were all offended. The Minister, a Mr. Owens, rose and said that the
young man had gone to the hight of presumption, in saying that he was a servant
of God and had been sent to preach the gospel. He confessed that though he had
been paid for preaching for many years, and hoped that he had done much good,
yet he would not, for the world say that he was a servant of God!! After him
rose an old drunken deacon of the name of Evan Evans and called us dogs and
other evil names, and bad the people to beware of us lest we should deceive
them.
(Page 8)
The next day we went to Saint
David's, walked up to the old Methodist preacher and asked for the use of the
chapel to preach in but were denied. We then asked for the school-room the
answer was no with much indignation.
We left him and tryed the
Independent Deacon for the chapel or schoolroom but to no purpose.
We then tryed for liberty to preach
in a private house, but could not be permitted; however a friendly old woman
gave us lodging for 4 pence each and got a good row with her husband for
letting us abide in the house. I have forgotten his name, but he was a true son
of Mother Church and an enimy of God.
(Page 9)
We had completely failed to preach
at St. David's this time but conversed with many on the principles of the
gospel.
Next morning we commenced our way
to visit the Saints at Pater & Pembroke, being completely run out of money
and food, we had a journey of nearly 130 miles before us, we traveled along the
sea coast through several villages, but did not stay to preach, being in haste
to see the saints. We came to Newgal sounds, and being weary sat down to rest where
we gathered twelve stones and built a pillar to the memory of the twelve tribes
of Israel. And other two for Ephraim & Manaseh. And a big one on the top
for King David to reign over them.
(Page 10)
We then knelt down and prayed that
God would hasten the gathering of Israel as we had gathered these stones, the
spirit of God restored up on us mightily, and being refreshed, we rose up and
pursued our journey.
We then traveled 7 or 8 miles
farther, met with Sister Ormond returning form Milford Market with a penny loaf
in her basket unfold, which we broke between us and soon swallowed for it was
the first we had had for the day.
We were then fit to finish our
journey. We reached Patter before night and found the saints all well. After we
had a comfortable meeting with the saints, we received a letter of counsel to
return to Merthyr to go to work a while that we might recruit for another
start.
(Page 11)
On the 21st of December
we took our journey back to Rhymney where I went to work as a miner, and G.
Davies at his trade as a Tailor.
About the 27th of
January 1847 I was counsel to go to work at Risca, Monmouthshire to preach the
gospel there. I went and got work & commenced preaching at night and
working by day. I took a room for preaching and comenced the work in that
place. On 31st of January four were were baptised at the Rock. I
baptised one Elizabeth Nicholas. January 24th I baptised John Davies
at Rhymney+had hard work to
baptise him and he proved a worhless man.
While at RiscaI had my leg
broken by a stone falling on it in the work. Was treated barbariously by my
fellow workmen, placed on a tram
(Page 12)
of stones to be carried to my lodgings left at the door for
a long time with blood running from a wound, before I could get it dressed,
having no friend to minister to me till Brother James John, a priest who had
come to help me in that place, came from his work, and he took me in, laid his
hands upon me and prayed for me.
I soon got case, and recovered
fastly, walked out the second day, but slipped from a stone, and hurt it again.
After I recovered I returnred to
Rhymney, abode there for a short time, on 29th June baptised Sophia
Henderson.
I was ordained an Elder April 18th
at Merthyr Conference under the hands of Elder Thos Pugh and William Phillips.
(Page 13)
1847 July 21 - Having received
counsel I started a second time for Pembrokeshire on a mission to the Welsh
part.
22nd. Arrived at the house of Elder Joseph
Matthews, Trepoeth [Treboeth] near Swansea, he and his wife received me kindly.
23rd. Reached Llanelly. Elder W. Hughes
entertained me. I preached there on the first principles &
24th Came to Carmarthen, found the saints all
well. I abode with them over Sunday and preached twice and attended the Saint's
meeeting.
27 Started for Pembroke where I arrived about six o clock ,
at the house of Sister Ormond who I found rejoicing in the truth.
28th Visited Patter, found Elder John Hays at
Mrs. Obrey's house just going to be married to Ellen Jane Obrey which took
place on
(Page 14)
Sunday following. Elder Wm Mitchel soon came in from H. West
and we rejoiced together. Took a walk and received counsel from him relative to
my mission to the Welsh.
28th Accompanied Elder Mitchell to Lawrenny and
baptised one Elizabeth Eynon and preached on the first principles. 29th
returned with Elder Mitchell to Pater where the Lion 180 gunship was launched
on the 30th I started for Haverfordwest, was kindly received by John
Rogers I baptised John Thomas Mason and confirmed him at the time.
31st I reached St. Davids, tryed 11 houses before
I could procure a lodging, the people knew me to be a Mormon Preacher as they
called me.
(Page 15)
August 1st I preached at Cyfarchell at one o
clock . At St David's at 6 o clock I preached on the cross in the open air, to
a large congregation. Sold many pamphlets.
On the 3rd I preached again in the same place at
6 o clock .
4th At Solva at 7 o clock
5th At Skivog at 7 o clock
6th At an ajacent village ( I do not remember the
name ) at 7 o clock
All in the open air.
9th Preached a Trevine at 7 o clock where the
people made a shocking row by whooping and blowing horns.
After I had closed the meeting a gentleman of the name of W
illiams made me a present of a shilling. The people here mostly belong to the
Calvinistic Methodists.
(Page 16)
10 I preached at Fishguard at the door of the Market House
to a large congregation who bought many pamphlets.
11th Preached at Newport at 7.
12th Preached at St. Dogmells to a large
congregation at 7 o clock .
13th Preached at Cardigan at 7 to a large
congregation. Open air.
14th Returned to Maenclochog and on the 15th
preached at 2 & 5 o clock to a crowded audience. After I had closed the
meeting an Independent preacher exclaimed "he is enough to turn the place
upside down."
16th Preached at Little New Castle to a large
congregation of Half Bruits in the house of Nancy Parry who was pretty kind to
me.
(Page 17)
Also a poor widow Mariah Evans
treated me with much kindness. As for all the others they were more like
savages than Christians as they proudly call themselves.
I preached there several times
after that, and was always treated with the greatest indignity.
One time a mob beset the house
while I was preaching, threw stones at the doors and windows. Once they threw a
horses legbone down the chimney filling the house with smoke dust and soot, and
so proud were they of their sport that they published in the news.
After trying to save them till I
was wearied I left them to their fate and went in search of a people who would
hear and obey the gospel.
(Page 18)
I went then to Letterstone, a
village about 2 or 3 miles from Newcastle where I was permitted by the trustees
of the Westlyan Chapel to preach to a large and civil congregation. After
meeting I was invited to public house called The Harp where I was kindly
treated by the landlord and family who gave me food and lodgings free of expence
.
One Thomas Evans a baptist declared
after meeting that he had never heard the gospel in purity before, he has since
been baptised .
When I returned to preach again I
was refused liberty in the Chapel because I talked too much about water,
however I was permitted
(Page 19)
to preach in a blacksmith's shop which I did to a large
congregation having the hearth for a pulpit.
After which preached several times
but could get none to obey though many confessed that they believed the
principles to be true.
I preached many times at Fishguard
and other places, but found the people very hard to obey the truth, infact I
was obliged to leave them at that time without baptising one. John Davies
priest had visited the nighboruhood of Saint Davids and baptised his sister
Lettitia Davies, and I confirmed her and left her alone. The Lord has supported
her till now, she stands firm in the faith though she has no saint near her.
(Page 20)
About this time I left
Pembrokeshire and reutnred to Rhymney and worked for a short time preaching and
filling my circle in company with the officers of that branch.
I then left Rhymney and went to
work at Cwmbran where I commenced preaching, and was soon called to preside
over a small branch of the church at the Rase, containing 13 members.
I commenced preaching and baptising , the Lord wrought with
me, for in two days less than 12 months I baptised 31.
Anne Doggett March 26
- 1848
Margaret Williams
March 28th /48
I confirmed both March 30th /48
Ann Carey April 2nd,
/48
Sarah Phillips Ap 11th /Do [Ditto]
(Page 21)
Emma Phillips Ap 25 - /48
Confirmed the same day
Mary Anne Lewis May 24th /48
Confirmed by Elder W. Henshaw May 25th
James Lewis July 27th confirmed Aug 3.
John Masters Sep 24 Conf Oc 1st
Thos Nash Sarah Pocock Oct 26
Confirmed the same night by me
David Williams Nov 5th Confirmed Nov 16th
by Elder John C____ver
William Thomas Nov 6th Conf. 9th.
Caroline Danks Dec 3rd conf Ibid
Elizabeth Ashman Dec 11th confd. 17th.
Hannah Williams
Do Do
Isaac Lovday Dec 10th confd. 14th
John Doggett Do Do
Elizabeth Thomas Do
Do
John Williams & Wm Ducum Dec 21st
confirmd the 24th by Elders W. Henshaw
and Charles Watts
(Page 22)
Elizabeth Williams of the Rase Bap Feb 1st 1849
confd. 20th
Elizth. [abrev] Williams of Cwmmosdy Bap Feb 1st
- confd. 8th by me
Samuel Summers Bap Feb 7th confirmed Feb 15th
by me /49
Lewis Morgan Feb 18th at Abersychan confirmed the
same night.
Ann Keyes bap Feb 13 confd 20th
Elizabeth Williams confirmed by W Prothroe
Feb 20th Bap Vaughan Morgan
Elizabeth Morgan Jane Sommers and Sarah Danks.
Vaughan Morgan confirmed Feb 23rd by Edward Prothroe
Elizabeth Morgan Jane Somers and Sarah Danks confirmed March
1st 1849 by me
March 2nd Thomas Childs was baptized by Thomas
Nash and confirmed by me 8th Do [Ditto]
(Page 23)
March 3rd Baptised the wife of William Duckham by
Thomas Nash - who were all confirmed by me on the 8th
Lucy Childs baptised and confirmed the same time
March 8th Bap Mary Thomas by Thomas Lewis
confirmed by the same time
March 4th Bap Lydia Williams
9th Bap William Keysconfirmed on the 12th
/49
The following officers were ordained by me at the Rase
Branch.
January 21-/49 William Duckham a Priest
30th Wm Prothroe an Elder
March 1st Thomas Nash & Wm Ashman Elders
Do Benjamin Millar a Teacher by W Prothroe
Feb 2nd John Williams a Deacon
During my stay in this branch
(Page 24)
I succeeded in introducing the gospel to Pontypool opened a
room at the George Inn. Preached several times Organized a Branch of 2 Elders 1
Deacon 1 Teacher and 9 members being 13 in all. The exact number that I formed
at the Rase when called to preside there.
April 1st 1849 I left my
employment being called to travel through the Garway Conference with Elder Wm
Henshaw at the Newport Conference when was held on first and second of April.
On the 3rd I had to preach at the house of brother Lewarn 4th
at Pillgwenlly.
(Page 25)
5th Attended Council
6th Came to Pontypool where I attend
Saints' meeting and ordained William Ducham to the office of Elder
8th I preached in the Town Hall at Pontypool.
9th At the House of Br Ashman at the Rase
10th Attended council at P-Pool ordained Wm Green
to the office of Elder, and Vaughan Morgan a Teacher
11th Attended Sts meeting at Abersychan
12th Came to Llanelling abode there one day.
14th Reached Garway Preached on the 15th
and ordained William Williams an Elder. Charles Holly a Priest & Edwin
Prosser a Teacher and James Evans a Deacon
(Page 26)
16th Preached at the house of Elder William Williams
17th Preached at Cwm Llanelling
18th Attended Saints' meeting at Abersychan
19th Attended Ditto at the Rase
20th Do
Do at P-Pool
22nd Preached at P-Pool
23rd Preached at the Rase
24th Attended Council at P-Pool
25th Preached at Maendy
Do at Bro. Palphrey's near Newport
26th Attended Council at Newport
27 Saints' meeting at New Port
29th Neport meetings allday
30th Preached at Bro Farrel's house.
May 1st Came to Pontypool
2nd Saints' meeting Abersychan
3rd Visited Cwm Lanelling
4th returned to Abersychan
(Page 27)
6th visited Usk and preached
7 Abode at Usk and preached
8th Returned to P Pool held council
9th Preached at Bro. Farrel Maendy
10th Council at Newport
11th St's meeting
13th While preaching was opposed by H. G.
Westbrook a Preacher at Abersychan.
14 Preached at Abersychan again
15 Came to Cwm Lanellying
16 Reached Garway and held a Saints' meeting at Brother
William Williams' house and remained here till Sunday held council in the
morning and a Saints meeting and confirmed Ann Hill. Afternoon preached at
Brother Holley's Evening at bro. Evans' and held council after meeting.
(Page 28)
23rd Went to Dastans with Elder Carver
24th to Kington 25th to New Radnor
preached in open air.
26 Preached at Stinshop
27th Returned to Kington preach at the house of
James Bengals to a lot of Ranter preachers and a Baptist had a little
contention after meeting was over.
And in the afternoon preached at the house of William
Havard, Kingswood .
28 Came to Garway
30th Attended the funeral of sister Sarah James,
at the parish of Horcup. I returned that night and preached at Garway.
31 Baptised Elizabeth Williams
(Page 29)
at Garway-Hill
June 2nd Baptised Maria Evans and Mary Jones at
Garway also reconfirmed both.
3rd Conducted Saint's meeting and confirmed
Elizabeth Williams at Garway in the morning at 10. And preached in the
afternoon and evening.
4th Came to Cwm Llanellen attended prayer meeting
with the Saints.
5 Attend Council at Pontypool
6th Attend Saints meeting at Abersychan and
baptised Mrs Govard [?]
7th Attended Council at Newport
8 Attended the saints meeting
10th Preached at 10 o clock conducted saints
meeting at ½ past 2 o clock .
Preached at 6 o clock. After closing the meeting in the room
I went to the end of the Bidge and preached in open air to a crowded audience.
(Page 30)
11th Preached at Maendy at the house of Brother
Palfrey
17th I visited a village called Magor, was
refused liberty to preach in the Baptists chapel by the minister whose name I
could not obtain, however I preached there twice in the open air to large
congregations leaving my testimony with them.
24 Spent the whole day at Abersychan
25 Preached at Lower Rase
July 1st Preached Magor again
8 Visited Garway and preached
15 Visited the Forest-of-Dean in GloucesterShire , preached
there and on the
17th returned to Garway and abode in the
neighbourhood till the
22nd when I started through the branches for the
Conference
(Page 31)
at Merthyr which was held on the
29th At which it was determined that I should
take another tour through Pembrokeshire to preach in the Welsh districts. After
Conference I returned to Pontypool to prepare for my new mission and on the 1st
August I preached at Tredegar Ironwork, 3 where baptised that night.
On the 7th I took coach
from Pontypool to Newport in company with some Brothers and Sisters had a
pleasant ride. Took the steamer for Bristol at ½ past 6 o clock in company with
Elder John Moris President of the Pembrokshire conference.
We arrived at Bristol at ½ past 9 o clock and staid the
night at Mr James Allen's coffee house.
(Page 32)
At ½ past 8 o clock the following morning we started for
Tenby by the Talbot Steamer where we arrived at 5 PM. Was met by two of the
brethren from the Stepaside Branch by whom I was conducted to the lodgings of
Elder Daniel Williams being much fatigued. My health having given way by the
tediousness of the journey I had to suffer much for a few days, but by the
kindness of Elder Williams and the Saints under his care I was soon nursed up
again. I continued in the neighbourhood for a week or nine days, attending all
the meetings of the saints in the
(Page 33)
two Branches that were in that neighbourhood, and enjoying
the pleasure of the communion of saints.
I spent the first Sunday 12th of Augt. in the
Stepaside Branch. Attended their Saints meetings in the morning and in the
afternoon attended Saints meeting at Eastlake, and preached in the evening at 6
o clock at Mead Kiln in the open air to a large congregation.
13th I attended a publicly prayer meeting at the
house of William Thain, Pendilo. I spoke a little on the first Principles of
the gospel, and the necessity of obeying the same. On 14th I
attended Saints meeting at
(Page 34)
Eastlake, at the House of John Rogers, here I had to
interpret a discourse which has been delivered in Welsh by Elder John Evans. I
then exhorted the Saints to be faithful in keeping all the commandments of God
that they might have an inheritance in the celestial kingdom of Jesus Christ.
On the 16th Augt. having recovered a little strength I started for
Pembroke to see President J. Morris by whom and his kind hearted wife I was
received with joy.
17th I visited Pater to see my old friends the
Obrey family whom I found in good health and was cordially received by
(Page 35)
them all. On the 18th visited Her Majesty's Dock
Yard to see the Ship "Octavia" launched.
19th visited Lawrenny where I preached and at
Weston in the evening.
21 Attended Saints meeting
22 Went to Haverford West and the following day to
Letterston and preached that night to a large congregation.
24. I reached Fishguard in company with Elders John Evans
and William Rees. Spent the
25th perambulating the town and observing the
fictious piety of its inhabitants.
26 At 10 o clock held saints meeting in the house of Wm.
Rees who with his family had been baptised by Elders Evans & Rees.
(Page 36)
I confirmed William Rees in that meeting. At 2 o clock we
preached in the Cwm in the open air, to a large congregation and at 6 o clock
preached at Scledau [?] gate to a large congregation.
27th I preached at Fishguard
28th At Wolfs Castle to a large congregation
29 Attended Cuffernmountain Branch Saints meeting.
Sep 2nd Preached at upper Slade at the House of
Brother Thos. Rowlands - at 2 o clock held Saints meeting and at 6 preached
again. On the 3rd I returned and preached at Wolfs Castle and
baptised Thomas Evans and Jas Devonald and confirmed them.
(Page 37)
4th I preached at Letterstone
5 at Dinas 6th at Little Newcastle where the
people fired guns and threw stones at us, but we were preserved from being hurt
by the power of God.
On the 7th we returned to Fishguard and held
Saints meeting and had refreshment by an out powering of the Spirit of God. On
the 9th Sunday had a good meeting with the Saints in the morning at
Fishguard. Travelled to Letterston and preached at 2 o clock - returned and
preached at Scledde at 6 oclock +On
the10th Preached at Fishguard in the open air, to a large congregation.
(Page 38)
12 Preached at Dinas
13th Ventured to Little-new-Castle again and had
to preach in the house of one John Davies.
14 I returned to Fishguard and held Saint's meeting
16 I preached at Little New Castle at 10 oclock at
Letterston in English
19 Preached at Penywarren to a large congregation
On 18th we held a council of four Elders in a
field near Scledde Lodge where we organised two branches, one at Fishguard, and
the other at Letterston over the latter I was appointed to preside.
(Page 39)
On the 21st I attended the saints meeting at
Fishguard and confirmred Sister Gibbon. 22nd Came to Cuffern
Mountain. Preached in the morning, held Saints meeting at 2 oclock and
confirmed Thomas James. 24 went to Wolfs Castle and preached
25 Preached at Letterston and went to Fishguard
26 Went to Dinas to preach but was disappointed.
27 Preached at Little Parsonage
28 Attended Saints meeting at Fishguard
30 (Sunday) I preached at Letterston at 11 oclock . Little
New Castle at 3. Scledde at 6 oclock
October 2nd Preached at Letterson
4 AT Litter Parsonage I began the meeting by singing and
praying
(Page 40)
On the 8th I embarked with the saints on board
the steemboat Troupadour, and sailed for Wilford whence we arrived in the after
noon. Met President Morris and family, with many saints from Pembroke and other
Branches. We all took leave of them, and I returned to Pembroke that night.
I then commenced the duties of presiding over the conference
travelling from branch to branch setting things in order. The officers and
saints coopperating with me many of the branch began to flourish, especially
the Pembroke branch, many were baptised and added to the church
(Page 41)
Many things transpired during the first year of my
presidency over this conference which can not be recorded here, as I was much
engaged in the work, and unable to write myself, therefore what follows will be
taken from the minutes of councils & conferences. October 10th
Baptised Margaret Edwards
October 11th 1850 In council at Monkton I
commenced organizing and officering that Branch and council which till then had
been watched over by the presidency of the Conference. Here I ordained Priest
John Hopla an Elder and set him to preside over the Pembroke branch and Elder
Thos. Noot 1st Counsellor .
I placed Elder John Griffiths of Lawrenny to preside over
the council with J. Hopla and T. Noot Counsellors.
(Page 42)
Nov 21st Baptised Mary Jones and Eliza Jones her
daughter and confirmed them on the 24th at Monkton Sts. meeting
December 4th Baptised Mary Sinnatt and Elizabeth
Sommers two aged women, one 88 & the other 85 years. Confirmed them the
same time.
Feb. 2nd 1851 Confirmed Lewiza Gwyther and
Baptised Thomas Oliver - confd - 4th
Feb 7th Baptised Mary Dawkins and confirmed her 9th
(Page 43)
December 6th I attended the council at Monkton
where I adressed the officers on the importance of their fulfilling their
offices with magnanimity as they should be guided by the Holy Ghost and shewed
the necessity of carrying out the counsils of the presidency. In this council
John Bagshaw, Hariot Dawkins & Hannah Philips were cut off.
On Saturday 7th I started for H West leaving Eld.
Daniel Williams at Monkton to carry out the decision of council on the
following sabath .
I preached at H West and attended Saints' meetings on
Sunday. Attended council on Teusday 10th where it was determined
[There may be some pages missing at this point.]
(Page 44)
I also ordained John Davies of Manorbear a teacher, and
Thomas Griffiths a Deacon in Pembroke branch.
I also cut off Phillip Thomas of Milford for Drunkenness,
and opposing Elder Morris when preaching at Hakin near Milford. In all this,
the officers unanimously assisted me and the spirit of God was abundantly
enjoyed by all. From this time the branch began to flourish greatly, and I
gained great influence among the Saints and offices, and also in the
neighbourhood. I baptised many but I was not to go ahead without opposition,
for satan began to work in Isaac Morgan, a teacher in the Pembroke branch who
began to find fault with my proceedings in setting Elder Hopla to provide over
the branch. This he
(Page 45)
confessed before the council and was forgiven; but he never
ceased from it till it worked his final apostacy from the church.
I then took a tour through the branches, visiting their sts.
meetings and councils - and setting things in order as I was directed by the
spirit of God. At H West Council I met with Elder Daniel Williams, my first
counsellor, and suggested to him that it would be good for all the officers to
meet in a general council, or conference of the priesthood, once a month he was
one with me on the subject, therefore we passed it by vote in that council Nov
12th that our first General Council should be held at Monkton Pembroke
on the 22nd Instant.
November 22nd 1850 I was at the General Council
Pembroke at which it was determined
(Page 46)
that the saints at Freystrop shall be organised a branch and
that Elder William Bowen shall preside over it with Moses Phelps as his first
counsellor .
John Thomas of H West was ordained an Elder to act as first
counsellor to Elder J. Griffiths in the presidency of that branch.
I also ordained Richd. Jones a priest in Pembroke branch.
I sent Elder William Thomas late president of Broadway
branch to raise a branch at Milford, and set elder Thomas Rees to preside over
the branch of Broadway and thus opened up the way for the spread of the gospel.
I abode at Monkton over the following Sunday, had a good
meeting with the saints, much of the
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spirit of God was poured out upon them, and the gifts were
abundant.
About this time it was frequently predicted, through the
gifts, that a woman should rise, and swear lies against me, to destroy my
influence which set me constantly on the watch, for I felt by the spirit of God
that it would surely come to pass as it did in due time, as will be shewn in
its proper place.
Monday I attended a prayers meeting at Monnkton with a
goodly number of Saints.
Nov 4th I baptised Eliza Lewis and Prisilla Baker
at Monkton and confirmed them on the 5th.
While baptising them my hat was blown away by a gust of wind
and I narrowly escaped from drowning by trying to recover it.
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5th I attended saints meeting at Fishguard
7th attended saints meeting and ordained William
Rees to the office of a Teacher. 9th Preached at Scledde. Went to
Har's Castle but could not preach
11th Preached at Litte Parsonage
12 Attended Saints meeting at Fishguard.- ditto 14th
Held prayer meeting in the morning 16th Preached
at Scledde 18 Preached at Letterston19th Cuffern Mountain 20 at
Fishguard prayer meeting 22 Prayer meeting at Letterston 23 Preached 24 at
Little New Castle
25 Saints meeting at Letterston
28 Preached at Cuffern M. held saints meeting also
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29 Preached at Simson
Nov 4th Attended conference at H West. 6th
Preached at Simson. 9th Attended saints meeting at Fishguard.
Ordained David Davies to the office of Priest
11th Preached at Cuffern Mount. In Saints meeting
ordained Thomas Rowland and John Twigg to the office of Elders and William
Rowland to the office of Teacher.
12 Came to H. West Saints meeting. 13 Pendilo Saints
meeting. 15th St Clears
18th Attended Swansea conference and was
appointed to travel in that conference under the Presidency of Elder Thomas
Pugh.
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After conference was over I commenced travelling from branch
to branch preaching and ministering as occasion required being directed by the
presidency.
The Lord blessed my labours in all I took in hand.
November 22nd I visited Cwm-Avon branch and
ordained Lewis Davies to the office of Elder. December 2nd visited
Llwyni branch and confirmed John Williams. Dec 22nd. Baptised
William Griffiths at the Drym branch . Feb 24th /50 Baptised John
Wardlow at the Llwyni branch - also Margaret Wardlow wife of the above J. W.
and William Thomas.
Feb 3rd Baptised Thomas Wardlow.
Feb 21st Confirmed Ann Wardlow. Also at Llwyni I
baptised James Thomas and his wife of Foxhole near Swansea, who
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had come to Llwyni on a visit. About this time I visited
Pyle branch and preaced and baptised Mary Ann Lewis who had been a Roman
Catholic, and was at this time preparing for perpetual seclusion in a Nunery .
I confirmed her the same night to the great disappointment of her parents. Her
Father threatened to kill me and her mother to pour boiling water over me and
prayed heartily on their god to send fire from his heavens to burn us all up,
but there was no answer for he was asleep.
Next morning the daughter was turned out of doors without
protection which she bore with joy and took shelter in the house of a sister at
port Talbot.
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Feb 28 Visit Altwen and confirmed Evan Hopkins.
At Neath the power of God was manifested in the gift of
healing on the person of Mary Richards wife of Elder Thomas Richards of that
place, who in a case of relapse after confinement was to all appearance dead. I
was called for, in company with Elders David Evans and Hopkin Jones. We
ministered to her the ordinance of anointing with oil and laying hands with
prayer. She was restored while under our hands, and the next day was about the
business of the family as normal.
We all thought her to be dead and she declared that she was
dead.
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About this time I ordained Elias Thomas to the office of
Elder, and David Richards of Burton Ferry to the office of Priest.
July 1850 At the conference at Swansea I was appointed to
the presidency of the Pembrokeshire Conference in stead of Elder John Morris
who was about to emigrate with his family to America.
About 7th of August I left Glamorganshire for
Pembroke and commenced to travel through the Welsh district preaching in the
places where I had formerly been occasionally visiting the lower parts in my
course
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I visited Broadway on Wednesday attended Saints meeting and
Simson on Thusday. Cuffern Mountain Friday And returned to Pembroke on Saturday
14th .
Sunday 15th Attended the meetings of the Pembroke
Branch - had good meetings, well attended.
The sectarians were getting very mad with us, espescially
with me. It was dangerous for me to walk out alone, the room where I slept was
frequently surrounded with mobs in the night, who tried several times to force
the door, and window shutters but failed. I was preserved by the power of God
from their hands - as I had been promised many times through the spirit
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I continued to attend all the meetings of the Pembroke
branch this week both me and the saints were greatly blessed.
On Friday 20th I attended the Monkton Council.
Addressed the officers on the necessity of obedience to the priesthood and of
unreserved diligence in building up the kingdom of God.
I then called the following officers - Viz James Bridge an
Elder George Sinnatt a Priest - Thomas Griffith a Teacher, William Davies a
Deacon in the Pembroke branch.
Also Francis Purser and John Davies, Priests. Joseph James a
Teacher and Thomas James a Deacon in Lawrenny Branch.
I abode at Monkton over the Sunday with Elder Daniel
Williams
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till about the 24th
of September I came to Pembroke to take my leave of President Morris and to
enter upon the duties of the Presidency
25th We had parting Tea party at Brownslate Gate
at the house of a widowed sister Mary Howells, who in company with Sister
Catharine Hopla had provided a comfortable Dinner and Tea for President Morris
and family, Elder Daniel Williams and me, and some others. We spent the day in
comfort and joy nothing standing the thought of parting with our beloved
president.
On the following morning I started to Lydstep and prea
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ched that night, went to Tenby was kindly received by Mr Wm.
Griffith (not in the Church) and his kind hearted wife, who fed me and lodged
me till morning when I took packet and sailed for Llanelly on my way to meet
the emigrating Saints at Swansea. Visited Neath and Alltwen and other branches
of the Saints who were all very kind to me, rejoicing to see me once more.
On the 7th of October I returned to Swansea met
many of the Saints and preached to a large body of Saints and others, in Trades
Hall on the gathering, which had a good effect on all present
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and ordained the officers that were called in Council. The
Holy Ghost was shed abroad upon us in abundance and we rejoiced together in the
love of God.
Tuesday 24th I started for H West in company with
Eld Daniel Williams, for Council. Met Elder Phillip Sykes, my second
counsellor. Had a splendid Council.
Wednesday 25th I returned to Pembroke to Saints
meeting where the Spirit of God was poured out in abundance upon the Saints.
Thursday 26th abode with the Saints at Monkton
preparing for going to Merthyr Conference.
27th Started by coach for Merthyr. Reached
Swansea that night.
Page 59
Saturday 28th Came to Neath and abode there over
Sunday with the Saints who greatly rejoiced to see me once more and I rejoiced
to see them. 29th I spent the Sabath with them and preached to large
congregations - had a good time.
I said with the Saints and officers at Neath till Saturday
the 4th of January 1851 when I started for Merthyr Conference on
Sunday the 5th where we had a splendid conference.
Returned to Pembroke on the [blank space]. Found the
officers and major part of the Saints well.
I was told by Elder Dl. Williams
Page 60
that Eliza Lewis had been complaining that I would not take
notice of
None
Immigrants:
Price, John
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