LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BAPTIST HISTORIAN

Sir,
I was interested in the article about Joshua Thomas, the great Baptist historian (The Carmarthenshire Historian, Vol XIX).

My wife and I were staying in Leominster a few years ago and I took the opportunity of photographing Joshua Thomas's grave in the burial ground of the Baptist Chapel there. The inscription on the tombstone reads:

The Revd. Joshua Thomas born 22nd of Feby 1719 having served Christ in the Ministry of the Gospel 43 years in this town. Died 25th August 7797. Elizabeth his relict Died 14th of June 1807 Aged 85 years. To die is gain.

On one side is a memorial to Ebenezer, John, Mary and Sarah, their children, all of whom died young. On another side is a memorial to Richard Nicholls and his widow, Elizabeth, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth Thomas.

GWILYM OWEN,
to top