Welsh Baptist Minister The Baptist Encyclopedia, 1881Vavasor Powell was born in Radnorshire, Wales, in 1617. Through his parents he was connected with the first families in North Wales. When young he was taught the learned languages, and he became a successful student in pursuit of general knowledge. He received his university education at Jesus College, Oxford. In his youth he was the most mischievous boy in the neighborhood in which he lived. When he first officiated as an Episcopal minister, he says that "he was a reader of common prayers, in the habit of a foolish shepherd, that he slighted the Scriptures, was a stranger to secret and spiritual prayer, and a great profaner of the Sabbath."By reading Puritan books, hearing sermons which they preached, and by conversations with them, Mr. Powell was led to the Saviour, and his heart and character were complete1y changed. Soon after this he forsook the Episcopal Church. His preaching now became the most powerful agency in Wales. Wherever he went multitudes waited upon his ministry, and large numbers were renewed by the Holy Spirit and became followers of the Lamb. Opposition was stirred up by his burning eloquence and his unexampled success; and in 1642 he went to London, where his popularity was nearly as great, in a little time, as it was in Wales. He received a pressing invitation to settle in Dartford, in Kent, which he accepted, and there he founded a church, and brought many souls to the Redeemer.