Diaries of Rev. William Morgan and Register of Holyhead Baptist Chapel

Four diaries dating from 1833-1868 and the register of Bethel Baptist Chapel, Holyhead, Anglesey, 1825-1861.

Diaries are full of contemplative thoughts of a Puritanical nature. There are references to Christmas Evans and other religious figures such as John Lewis, Llanllibio. Also, entries relating to the Temperance Society, visits to Scotland and Ireland in1835 to collect money to pay the debts of Bethel Baptist Chapel, quarrels and debates, and the 1859 religious revival and its effects on Holyhead.

The chapel register, is written in the hand of William Morgan, and records such events as baptisms, deaths and the expelling of members from the chapel (with reasons). Once again, the effect of the 1859 religious revival is evident in the increase in number of chapel members.

Rev William Morgan, Baptist minister, served at Bethel Baptist Chapel in Holyhead, Anglesey from 1824 until 1872. He is said to have been an excellent and popular preacher who lived at a time when the spiritual condition of the Baptists of Anglesey was quite dire. Quarrels were common, chapels had large debts and too much independence. He had little sympathy towards new causes in Holyhead, independent of the mother chapel, and as a result the Baptists had little chance for expansion in the town.

Early in March 1865, William Morgan had a stroke, the effects of which can be seen through his handwriting. He died in 1872.

The memoir of William Morgan was written by Rev William Price of Holyhead and published in1888 under the title Cofiant y diweddar Barch. W. Morgan, D. D.,Caergybi

Arranged according to record type and chronologically and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts

Open to all users.

Presented by Rev. E. Pritchard, Holyhead Anglesey in 1937.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, December 2001.

A detailed item level catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 2335-2339

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics are made at the discretion of the Archivist.

Price W., Cofiant y diweddar Barch. W. Morgan, D. D.,Caergybi (1888)