JOHN PUGH:
Extraordinary evangelist and church planter
By D. Eryl Davies
DayOne. 188 pages. £8.00
ISBN 978 1 846 257 698
Once well-known across Welsh churches, the name of John Pugh is much less familiar to Christians today. In this new biography, Eryl Davies makes the case for revisiting Pugh’s remarkable ministry, highlighting its enduring relevance for us.
Ordained in 1872, Pugh was a tireless evangelist, with a particular heart for working-class communities in the developing industrial areas of South Wales. Constrained by the love of Christ, he was committed to open-air preaching, even in the face of the apathy of many churches. His passion led to the founding of the ‘Forward Movement’, an evangelistic initiative among Calvinistic Methodists. In the course of his ministry, he established almost 50 mission halls and churches – including Heath Church, Cardiff, where the author serves as elder.
The whole narrative is told in an engaging way, with illuminating quotes from historical documents. Davies also gives appropriate critical reflection on Pugh’s weaknesses, such as his tendency to overwork.
But this is not just the story of one man. We’re introduced to other faithful believers too. We meet businessmen stewarding their wealth for the glory of God, ‘Christ-possessed women’ showing Christ-like love to people in need, and fellow ministers labouring alongside Pugh.
Above all these, this biography is ultimately the story of the Lord’s work. The author repeatedly points us to the Lord, who equipped and empowered Pugh, who answered prayer in remarkable ways, and who gave spiritual life to sinners as the gospel was preached.
One of the most valuable aspects of this book is Davies’ concern to show the continued relevance of Pugh’s ministry, with three concluding chapters outlining different lessons and encouragements for today. These lessons are not just for preachers like Pugh, but for all Christians with a concern for reaching unchurched people with the gospel.
As a minister in South Wales, looking at the spiritual needs around us, I was encouraged by remembering how the Lord has worked in the past through the preaching of Christ crucified. And I was spurred on to heed Pugh’s plea from an 1893 article: ‘We must all take this matter to God in prayer.’
