David Jones
204 pages
Griffith Jones (early 1684 - 8 April 1761) was a minister of the Church of England famous for his work in organising circulating schools in Wales. His name is usually associated with that of Llanddowror, Carmarthenshire. By the time of his death, it is estimated that over 200,000 people had learnt to read in schools organised by Jones throughout Wales. Jones taught people to read that they might know those things that were necessary for their salvation - the curriculum at his schools consisted only in the study of the Bible and the Catechism of the Church of England. But in doing so he created a country with a literate population with a deep knowledge of the Christian scriptures. This in turn is believed by many to have played a key role in making the people of Wales ready to accept Methodism. Jones is often thought of as the forerunner of Methodist ideas in Wales. He was a powerful preacher and he would preach in the open air, as later the Methodists would do, and bring upon himself the censure of bishops for preaching at irregular meetings. He lent his critical support to the Methodist revival, and was associated with the early leaders.