John Owen

Who was John Owen?

John Owen was the Professor of Welsh at the St David's College, as well as the Dean of St Asaph. He became the Bishop of St David's in 1897.

Born at Ysgubor Wen, Caernarfonshire, his father Griffith Owen was a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist. Though he never deviated from his own loyalties, he watched his son’s career as an Anglican with great pride. Owen’s mother, Ann Jones from Aberdaron, could not easily reconcile herself to her son becoming an Anglican, however, nor could she wholly accept the fact that he married an English wife.

In 1872, Owen was awarded a mathematical scholarship at Jesus College, Oxford, where he read Classics and Mathematics. As a graduate, he began a teaching career at Botwnnog grammar school. Whilst at Botwnnog, Owen discovered an interest in the Anglican church, and he was gradually drawn towards ordination, though decided to teach for a few years until he was sure of his vocation.

As a respected educator, Owen was appointed Professor of Welsh at St David’s College, Lampeter in 1879, and committed himself in two respects: he would advance the study of the Welsh language at the college, and would aim to be ordained before, or soon after joining the college. In both respects, he was successful, and was ordained deacon in 1879 and priest in 1880.