ON THIS DATE
William Williams was born 2/11/1717, at Pantycelyn, Wales. Called the “Sweet Singer of Wales” & the “Watts of Wales” Williams originally studied medicine but was ordained a deacon of the Church of England in 1740. He refused to become a priest & in time attached himself to the Calvinistic Methodists. He had an interesting schedule: for 35 years he ministered every month at Llaullian, Caio, & Llansawel. History records him an esteemed preacher. Williams composed his hymns chiefly in Welsh. He died 1/11/1791.
He’s remembered today for “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah” a hymn that was sung at the wedding of Britain’s Prince William & Catherine Middleton (Westminster Abbey, April 29, 2011).