William Ambrose (1 August 1813 – 31 October 1873), whose bardic name was Emrys, was a 19th-century Welsh-language poet and preacher.[1] Many sermons of his were published and some of his poems used as hymns.

Ordination

Ambrose was born at a Bangor inn, the Penrhyn Arms,[2] in Caernarfonshire (now in Gwynedd), north Wales. His father, John, was a leading member of the local Baptist community, and his mother, Elizabeth, a founder member of Bethel Chapel in Bangor. They remained at the Penrhyn Arms for ten years up to 1823. John Ambrose was also tenant of the local shop.[3] William's cousin was the composer John Ambrose Lloyd. William Ambrose was taught at Holyhead by the Rev. W. Griffiths.[4]

After school, Ambrose was apprenticed to a draper in Liverpool, where he became a member of the Tabernacle Congregational Church, at which his cousin John became precentor.[5] He later moved to London.[6]

However, having gone on a preaching tour led by William Williams (Caledfryn), Ambrose decided against setting up in business in Liverpool and instead become a minister. He was ordained on 7 December 1837. He remained minister of the Independent chapel at Porthmadog until his death, aged 60.[7]

Writing

Emrys edited the periodical Y Dysgedydd from 1853 to 1873 and narrowly missed the bardic chair at the Aberffraw Eisteddfod of 1849, with his "Awdl ar y greadigaeth".[8]

Ambrose is not regarded as an outstanding poet, but many of his sermons were published[9] and he was a popular preacher.[4] Some poems, such as "Ar y Lan Arall" ("On the Other Shore"), became hymns.[10]

Legacy

• In 1875, an elegy to Emrys by John Owen Griffith (Ioan Arfon) won first prize at the National Eisteddfod of Wales in Pwllheli.[11]

Works

• Atgofion fy Ngweinidogaith (1876)[12]
• Gweithiau y Parch (1975)

References