William Morris

William Morris (12 September 1843 – 21 December 1922), widely known by his bardic name, Rhosynnog, was the minister of Noddfa Baptist Church, Treorchy, South Wales from soon after its formation in 1868 until his death.

Morris was born on 12 September 1843 at Treboeth, Swansea, the son of David Morris. After training in early life to become an engineer, he turned his attention to the nonconformist ministry. He was educated at the Swansea Academy of G. P. Evans, and later at Pontypool.
Ordained at Treorchy in 1868, he later became secretary of the Baptist Union of Wales from 1879 until 1898, and later became its president. Under his leadership the membership at Noddfa increased rapidly and branch chapels were established including Ainon, Treorchy and Bethel, Cwmpark.
A popular lecturer, Morris also supported cultural, temperance, and educational movements in the Rhondda Valley. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and in 1902 he visited the United States of America and was awarded an honorary degree by Bucknell University.