Harris, Howel

(1714–73)

   Missionary and Denomination Founder.

   Harris was born in humble circumstances in Talgarth, Wales. Initially he earned his living as a school-master, but he had a conversion experience at the age of twenty-one. Planning to be an Anglican clergyman, he went to Oxford University, but left after a week to start an extensive mission in Wales. He is generally regarded as the founder of Welsh Calvinist Methodism, although he himself remained loyal to the Church of England. His preaching attracted huge crowds and there were scenes of extraordinary enthusiasm. He was not an original thinker and his ideas were drawn from a variety of sources. He was shy with his fellow evangelists and he fell out with both Daniel Rowland and with George whitefield. After his retirement in 1752, he set up a revivalist centre in Trevecca Fach, which was supported by the Countess of Huntingdon (hastings). The many chapels built throughout Wales testify to the success of his life’s work.

   R. Bennett, The Early Life of Howell Harris (1962);

   G.F. Nuttall, Howel Harris (1965).