Elfed Roberts 1936-2020

How can one put into 250 words the life and times of this extraordinary person? Sadly, Elfed passed away at home on 12^th August 2020. He served as a Presbyterian Minister in one English medium Chapel and four Welsh medium Chapels, preaching every Sunday all over Wales, parts of England (including London) over a period of sixty years. In addition, for a period of 17 years between 1980-1997, he was the Principal of the United Theological College in Aberystwyth.

He gave his all, giving lectures in both English and Welsh and broadcasting on the radio in both languages in ‘Thought for the Day’ over a number of years. As the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Wales 1991-92, he travelled extensively visiting Switzerland, Kenya, India and Australia. He was given an Honorary Doctorate and a Fellow of the University of Bangor North Wales. These honoraries were given to him because of his academic Bible studies, with over 25 volumes published in his name over the years. He was highly regarded in Wales as an academic, author and preacher. On Saturday 18^th September 2021 two volumes of his original works were launched in memory of him. One containing 400 original prayers and the other a selection of 150, of his contributions to ‘Thought for the Day’ in the Welsh language. His fluency in both languages meant that whatever the occasion he was a master orator.

He spoke with great affection about his time at Westminster College Cambridge, having met and made many lifelong friends.

A gentleman and a true Christian. He is survived by his second wife, a son, a daughter and four grandchildren.