Rev. David Davies (Dewi Eden) Papers

The papers consist of a bound collection of letters and papers, some of which relate to John Salisbury of Llanefydd, others have been written by Alexander Brodie, 1853-1865 and all relate to the Baptist cause in Harlech and surrounding area.

Minute book of Bethel Baptist Chapel, Harlech, 1817- 1866, in various hands.

Account books of Rehoboth Baptist Chapel, Harlech, 1822- 1914, together with a register of births, 1823-1837, and deaths 1887-1889.

List of promises by the members of Ainon Chapel towards the new chapel, 1896, along with an account book of the building of the new chapel, 1896-1906.

A note book in the hand of a James Owen, a work on Trawsfynydd folklore and a book of poetry dating from 1864.

Various works by Dewi Eden such as contributions to the press, poetry, and references to the dispute between the two branches of the Baptists in 1894-1896. Also, his book of preaching appointments and diary, 1890 - 1898.

David Davies, 1858 - 1929, was also known as Dewi Eden. He was a preacher, a poet, an antiquarian and a public figure with the temperance cause and education. He was raised in Trawsfynydd, Merioneth as a Scotch Baptist. Baptised in 1875, he began preaching in 1882 and moved to Harlech in 1886 to become a joint minister at Rehoboth Church with Robert Humphreys.

It appears that David Davies became a well known figure in the 1890's, calling for greater cooperation between the Baptists and the Scotch Baptists. He later became minister of Tabernacle Church, where he stayed until his death.

His main published works are Cofiant Morris Rowland (1899), Bywgraffiad J. R. Jones o Ramoth (1911), Ardudwy a'i Gwron (1914) and Y bedyddwyr ar lannau Merionydd (1919).

For information regarding the history of the Scotch Baptists in Harlech, consult Traethawd ar hanes y Bedyddwyr Albanaidd yn Harlech (1891) by William Williams.

Papers incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts. There is no apparent system of arrangement.

Open to all users.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, June 2002.

An item level typescript catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 1725-1733

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

Some items came to the possession of Dewi Eden via the family of John Salisbury of Llanefydd, Denbighshire. The 1864 book of poetry was given to him by the family of Meurig Idris.

Some of the letters relating to John Salisbury were published in Yr Ymwelydd (1914-1916)