A Humble Beginning in the Valleys of Wales

In 1845, Timothy Richard was born in the small Welsh village of Ffaldybrenin, nestled in the county of Carmarthenshire. The name Ffaldybrenin translates to “the King’s Valley,” a fitting origin for a man whose life would later bridge cultures and faiths across continents. His father, Timothy Richard Sr., began as a blacksmith—following in his own father’s footsteps—but later transitioned to managing a farm. Known for his wit and diplomacy, Richard Sr. served as a deacon and secretary for the Baptist congregations of Bethel and Salem, often mediating disputes between rival factions.

Timothy’s mother, Eleanor Llethercoch, was remembered by the renowned Welsh minister Gilesby Jones as a woman of exceptional kindness and integrity. Her legendary pancake-making skills were matched only by her gentle resilience; when faced with slander, she would simply remark, “Well, that will harm them more than it does me.” This blend of humor, faith, and fortitude shaped young Timothy’s character.

The Spark of Faith and a Calling Beyond Borders

Between 1858 and 1860, a wave of religious revival swept across the United States, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Norway, and Sweden. Even staunch atheists were moved to convert, and in Wales, the movement reached Timothy’s community. He was among those baptized in a nearby river, publicly affirming his Christian faith.

Soon after, during a sermon on the verse “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22), Timothy felt an unmistakable calling to missionary work. Walking home from Salem Chapel with his older brother Joshua, he confessed that a divine voice had urged him to preach abroad. Joshua, surprised by the revelation, had never considered such a path himself. This moment marked the beginning of Timothy’s lifelong dedication to spreading the Gospel far beyond Wales.

Education Against the Odds

Timothy’s early education took place at a Congregationalist school on his father’s farm, Tanygrisiau, where he studied until the age of 14. Though his father hoped he would assist on the farm, his mother and brothers advocated for further schooling. A compromise was struck: Timothy would study for one more year, after which he’d receive no further financial support.

Sent to a school in Cross Inn run by a cousin, Timothy excelled, mastering not only standard subjects but also music theory and solfège. His diligence earned him a teaching post in Penygroes, where he educated both children by day and miners by night—some old enough to be his father. The income allowed him to attend grammar school in Llanelli, where he occasionally served as acting headmaster. Locals joked that they could always tell when Timothy was in charge, as the children were far quieter under his watch.

After stints teaching in New Inn and Swansea’s Normal School, Timothy briefly returned to farming—much to the amusement of neighbors who lamented his “wasted” education. But fate intervened when his eldest brother, David, showed him a newspaper advertisement for a headmaster position in Conwil Elvet. Despite 60 applicants, Timothy secured the role, though his arrival sparked controversy when a local pastor’s son was passed over. Undeterred, Timothy grew the school from 21 pupils to 120 within 18 months, forcing three rival schools to close. His evening Bible classes on the life of Paul became so popular that attendees later joined the church en masse.

Theological Training and Divine Encounters

At Haverfordwest Theological College in Pembrokeshire, Timothy forged a lifelong friendship with a fellow student named Chivers. Their academic rivalry was friendly, but after graduation, they lost touch for nearly 30 years. Their reunion in 1897—during a London Baptist conference—was nothing short of providential. Chivers, now a prominent figure unifying Baptist youth in America, invited Timothy to address the crowd. Standing before the assembly, Timothy reflected on how two men from rural Wales had been called to opposite ends of the earth: one shaping young Baptists in the U.S., the other ministering in the vastness of China. The moment underscored his belief that “small beginnings could yield great ends under God’s hand.”

Answering China’s Call

In 1866, the China Inland Mission (CIM), led by Hudson Taylor, pioneered a radical approach to evangelism: missionaries would wear local dress, eat regional food, live among the people, and rely solely on faith for provisions. This movement captivated Timothy, and by 1868, after hearing Mrs. Grattan Guinness advocate for the cause, he resolved to join.

Though initially drawn to the CIM, his Baptist affiliation led him to apply instead to the Baptist Missionary Society. When asked why he sought northern China, Timothy argued that converting its “more civilized” populace could catalyze evangelism across Asia. He also pragmatically noted that Europeans tolerated the climate better there.

A final hurdle arose when the committee demanded a 10-year vow of celibacy. Timothy, unprepared for the question, replied that he’d marry “in 10 days or 10 years—whichever best served the mission.” (He ultimately wed nine years later.)

Legacy: Bridging East and West

Timothy Richard arrived in China in 1869, beginning a 45-year mission that blended evangelism with social reform. He established schools, advocated for famine relief, and promoted dialogue between Christianity and Confucianism. His work laid groundwork for modern Sino-Western cultural exchange, proving that faith and mutual understanding could transcend borders.

From the King’s Valley of Wales to the heart of China, Timothy Richard’s life reminds us that greatness often springs from humble origins—and that obedience to a higher call can change the world.