MORRIS, RICHARD ROBERTS (1852 - 1935), Calvinistic Methodist minister, and poet

son of William and Mary Morris of Rhyd-ddu, Caernarfonshire; born 20 June 1852 at Cae'r-gors, in the parish of Beddgelert, where he was brought up in his grand-father's home until he reached the age of 13. He was christened by Emrys (William Ambrose). When he was 21 years of age he was elected an elder at Rhyd-ddu, and in 1876 he was persuaded to enter the ministry. After a preliminary training at Clynnog and Holt, he went to Bala C.M. College in 1878. In 1882 he married Katherine, daughter of the Rev. David Morris of Caeathro, by whom he had four children. In 1883 he was ordained at Mold. He was minister of Siloh chapel, Caernarvon (1881-93) and of the Tabernacle, Blaenau Ffestiniog (1893-1924). Writing poetry had interested him from his early days and he had won chairs at several eisteddfodau - among others, Corwen (1889), Dolgelley (1893), and the Wrexham Young Men's eisteddfod (1894). He was adjudged second best in the competition for the crown at the Llanelly national eisteddfod (1895) when the subject was ' John the Beloved Disciple '; and his pryddest was published the same year at Caernarvon. Several of his hymns are to be found in Cân a Moliant (H. Haydn Jones) and one - ' Yspryd byw y deffroadau ' - has become a national treasure. Alafon, Glan Llyfnwy, and he were great friends. He retired from the ministry in 1924 and went to live at Plas-y-coed, Betws Garmon, but continued to preach to within two years of his death. He died 24 August 1935 and was buried in Caeathro cemetery.

Author

• Reverend William Morris, (1889 - 1979)

Sources

• Personal recollections

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20738148

Published date: 1959

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