A challenging story of a young man, nurtured in a Christian home, soon drawn into a worldly life but then converted and called to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. Ordained in 1872, John Pugh (1846–1907) held pastorates in Tredegar, Pontypridd and Cardiff. Many people were converted through his open-air and churchpreaching throughout Wales and beyond. Freed from pastoral duties, he gave himself fully to evangelism and church planting in the industrial areas of Wales where the spiritual and social needs of the people were desperate. His remarkable success andburden for the work led to the formation of the Forward Movement within the PCW. He established 48 mission halls / churches where there were many converts; Pugh also established a home for destitute women in Cardiff. ‘He preached with one arm clinging around the Cross, and with the other outstretched to snatch souls from the wrath to come’. Commendations I welcome this thrilling new biography by Eryl Davies of one of the forgotten preachersto the unchurched people in the industrial areas of Wales.’Philip H. EvesonFormer Principal of the London Seminary‘This volume will be of interest and of hope to all those who pray for revival in Wales. It is a timely reminder of the power of the Holy Spirit working through those who give themselves absolutely to the Lord’s calling to evangelise.’Rev. Aneurin Owen, Moderator, GeneralAssembly of the Presbyterian Church of Wales Author Eryl Davies. From North Wales, Eryl studied in Aberystwyth (where he was converted), London and Cardiff. Ordained to the ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Wales, hepastored churches in South and North Wales, Maesteg and Bangor respectively. Appointed as the first principal of the now Union School of Theology, he married Magwen and they have two children, Marc and Ann and also two young grandchildren, Mali and Gruffydd. Eryl loves family times, reading theology,Intelligence history, current affairs and sport; he serves as an elder in Heath Church, Cardiff—a church founded by John Pugh.
