Gareth H. Davies (1927-2005) was a notable Welsh Calvinistic Methodist preacher. On his best days, and he enjoyed many of these, he preached with theological discernment, earnest longing for the salvation of men and women, unavoidable application and a Welsh warmth of spirit. His preaching showed the influence of the fathers of the denomination and of Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones.
Gareth Davies was born in 1927. At the age of 14 he left school to begin work in the coal mines where he remained until the age of 23. He came under the influence of H.H. Williams and felt he should go to Trefeca College to prepare for the ministry - though still unconverted. There, through the witness of his close friends John Thomas and Hugh Morgan , he became a Christian. He was soon himself speaking of his Saviour to others and Sulwyn Jones , who preached at his funeral service, was one of the many he led to faith in Jesus Christ. Nine years working underground and seven years of theological study and he was ready to enter the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Wales at the age of thirty. He ministered in three pastorates, Pontardawe and Gwaun Cae Gurwen from 1957-1968; Llanelli (1968-1981); Ammanford (1981-1994). The Pontardawe period began with marriage to Eunice followed by the birth of their four children Mari, Siriol, John and Catrin.
Gareth Davies was used to the conversion of many and the comfort and building up of Christians young and old. As a pastor he was approachable and understanding and could equally rebuke with love as console. The period in Llanelli was marked in particular by his influence over a group of young people with whom he met regularly in his home on a Saturday evening, in fact he ever remained young in spirit. He was still able in his seventies to speak persuasively to teenagers.
He was very much a Welshman, proud of the history, tradition and language of Wales and much burdened for the spiritual state of the land. He was in the first Welsh Conference of the Evangelical Movement of Wales in the early fifties and was one of its most influential leaders, especially on the Welsh language side. He remained on its main committees to the very end. He made, over the years, contribution to camps, campaigns and conferences, writing articles for the Welsh magazine as well as composing the occasional hymn. For a number of years he was a member of the Bryntirion College council. After retirement to Cardiff he exercised a wider ministry as he was able to preach in many English speaking churches as well. There was unanimous appreciation of that ministry.
The funeral service, on March 10, 2005 in Heath Evangelical Church in Cardiff, was held entirely in the Welsh language. Gareth had preached for the last time in that church a few months ago.
Other Welsh Christian Figures
Last updated: 05-29-2005 12:53:19
